Game Objective

The objective of the game is to solve a mystery presented in the chosen case by following clues, interviewing characters, and answering questions at the end. The victory condition is to answer the questions correctly and compare the number of leads followed to Sherlock Holmes's. The closer to Holmes's lead count, the better the final score. The game emphasizes cooperation among players to unravel the enigma, with the challenge of not exceeding or falling short of the master's lead count.

Setup

To begin, players choose a case together, ideally in chronological order to avoid spoilers. The London map is centered on the table, along with the directory, the informant list, and the newspapers for the case (and previous ones). The player chosen as the "lead investigator" reads the case introduction and starts the game. Everyone cooperates to follow leads, consult the directory, and newspapers. Using pen and paper for notes is allowed, delegating this task to a specific player if desired. The lead investigator chooses one lead per turn, reads its description, and marks it as followed. If the lead does not exist in the case, the player must choose another. The turn ends after this, and the book is passed to the player on the left.

Game Flow

The game progresses in turns, with the lead investigator choosing one lead at a time. Each player can only read one lead per turn, even if other players are discussing or consulting information. After following a lead, the player reads the description aloud and notes that the lead has been followed. The game continues until the players believe they have solved the case. Discussions are permitted, but the lead investigator has the final say on decisions about the next destination. Newspapers, the directory, and already visited leads can be consulted freely at any time.

Actions and How to Play

The main actions are:

• Follow a lead: The lead investigator selects a lead from the case, consults the directory to find the address, and goes to the indicated location on the map. If the lead does not exist, another is chosen.
• Consult informants: Informants (such as the coroner or the criminologist) can be called upon for specific information, depending on the case. Not all are available in every case.
• Consult newspapers: Newspapers from the case and previous ones can reveal useful clues or advertisements. Newspapers dated after the case are not used.
• Discuss: Players can debate strategies, but the lead investigator decides the next step.

End Game and Scoring

The game ends when the players answer the questions at the end of the case. The score is calculated by summing the points from the questions and the number of leads followed. If players follow more leads than Holmes, 5 points are subtracted for each extra lead. If they follow fewer, 5 points are added for each missing lead. Holmes always has 100 points. The final score is compared to Holmes's, with the goal of surpassing or getting close to his result.

Tips for Winning

1. Prioritize relevant leads: Focus on leads that directly connect to the case's plot, avoiding following too many without purpose.

2. Use informants strategically: Call informants only when necessary, as not all are useful in every case.

3. Avoid excessive leads: Following more leads than Holmes reduces the score, so balance exploration with efficiency.