Scotland Yard

Ravensburger AG, Bonaparte, Educa Sallent SA · Board game · 1983
2–6 · best 2 45 min Weight 1.9/5
7.2 rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
Buy · from US$ 10.96
7.2 rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you love a cat‑and‑mouse chase, Scotland Yard serves up tension and teamwork in 45 minutes.

Highlights
  • Exciting hidden movement
  • Team cooperation
  • High replay value
Keep in mind
  • Ticket draw luck factor
  • Light learning curve
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Scotland Yard, also marketed as Interpol, puts one player in the shoes of Mister X, a fugitive who slips around London’s points using taxis, buses or the underground. While Mister X moves in secret, the other players form a team of detectives who traverse the same map trying to guess his whereabouts. Every round, Mister X reveals his location only on specific turns, using a set of fare tickets (black, pink, green and yellow) that indicate the transport type used. Detectives advance point‑to‑point, consulting the available bus, tube and taxi routes. The team’s goal is to land on the same space as Mister X before he manages to evade capture for 24 turns. The game blends deduction, hidden movement and team cooperation, all in about 45 minutes. The metal tin holds a detailed London board, fare tokens, detective markers, a rotating disc for Mister X, and an hourglass that controls the reveal frequency. Secret unit placement creates constant tension, while the need to discuss routes and strategies strengthens the collaborative feel. Though rules are simple, the game demands good communication and logical thinking, making it suitable for players 8+ yet challenging enough for adults. As a 1983 Spiel des Jahres winner with digital versions on Steam, Scotland Yard remains a top pick for quick, suspense‑filled game nights.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

3 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–6 players
2 BEST
3 REC
4 REC
5 REC
6 REC

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Characters: Mister X Cities: London (England, UK) Containers: Tin/Metal Box Country: England Digital Implementations: Steam Misc: Dice Tower Hall of Fame Players: One versus Many Theme: Police
Publisher Ravensburger AG, Bonaparte, Educa Sallent SA, Funskool Games, Grow Jogos e Brinquedos, Kawada, Co. Ltd, Korea Boardgames, Majora, Milton Bradley, Otto Maier Verlag, Swan Panasia Co., Ltd., ツクダプリスクール (Tsukuda Preschool)
Designer Dorothy Garrels, Fritz Ifland, Manfred Burggraf, Werner Scheerer, Werner Schlegel, Wolf Hoermann
Artist Erika Binz-Blanke, Franz Vohwinkel, Henry M. Linder, Michael Schacht, Projekt Team III, Rene Habermacher, Thomas Haubold, Thomas Weiss, Torsten Wolber, Ugurcan Yüce

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

32,269owners
1,246wishlist
99want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How many players can join?
2 to 6 players, with one taking the role of Mister X and the rest as detectives.
What’s the typical playing time?
About 45 minutes, depending on player experience.
How complex is the game?
Light weight (1.9/5), easy to learn and quick to play.
What components are included?
London board, fare tokens, detective markers, Mister X rotating disc, hourglass, and scoring dice.
Who is the game best for?
Great for friends, families with kids 8+, and fans of deduction and chase games.

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