Watson & Holmes

Ludonova, asmodee, Asterion Press · Board game · 2015
7.7 Ludopedia 7.2 BGG 2–7 · best 5 45–75 min Weight 2.2/5
Buy
7.7 rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you love unraveling mysteries with a Victorian flair and a dash of bluffing, Watson & Holmes is your game! It's a title that makes you feel like a true detective, with the thrill of racing against time and other players.

Highlights
  • Engaging deduction and theme
  • Unique and intriguing cases
  • Tense location competition
  • Modular board replayability
Keep in mind
  • Player elimination can sting
  • Fierce clue competition
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Light your pipe and adjust your deerstalker, detectives! Watson & Holmes plunges you straight into the foggy streets of London to unravel brand-new mysteries, pulled directly from Dr. Watson's diaries. Instead of playing Sherlock, you step into the shoes of one of his associates, working alongside the master detective to solve cases that never saw the light of day. The goal is straightforward: dive headfirst into the Victorian world, visit the right locations, gather clues, and most importantly, be the first to connect the dots and present the correct solution at 221B Baker Street. Each case is a separate adventure, with questions that demand sharp reasoning. The competition heats up when multiple detectives want the same investigation spot: whoever uses the most transport tokens gets there first and secures the clue! Clues are secret, so jot down everything you can. If you get everything right, victory is yours. But beware: guessing the wrong solution means you're out of the game, and the others continue the hunt. With unique player powers and a modular board that ensures replayability, each case presents a new challenge to prove who has the most deductive mind. It's a game that requires bluffing, planning, and a good dose of intuition to unravel Sherlock Holmes' secrets.

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–7 players
2 OK
3 REC
4 BEST
5 BEST
6 REC
7 REC

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Books: Sherlock Holmes Misc: LongPack Games
Publisher Ludonova, asmodee, Asterion Press, Hobby Japan, MYBG Co., Ltd., Space Cowboys, Summon Games
Designer Jesús Torres Castro
Artist Arnaud Demaegd, David Prieto, Javier González Cava, Neriac, Pascal Quidault

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

5,730owners
1,375wishlist
189want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
What is the average playtime?
Games of Watson & Holmes typically last between 45 and 75 minutes, depending on the player count and case complexity.
How many players can participate?
The game is designed for 2 to 7 players, making it quite versatile for different groups.
Is the game difficult to learn?
The complexity is considered moderate (BGG weight of 2.15). The basic rules are easy to grasp, but the strategy for solving cases requires some practice.
Do I need to know English to play?
Yes, the original version is entirely in English, and there is no official translation. A good command of the language is essential to fully enjoy the game.
I enjoy deduction games, will I like this?
Absolutely! If you like investigating, connecting clues, and feeling the pressure to solve a mystery before everyone else, Watson & Holmes will likely appeal to you.
What happens if I guess the solution incorrectly?
If you present an incorrect answer at 221B Baker Street, you are eliminated from the game. The other players continue until someone gets it right or the case concludes.
Does the board change each game?
Yes, the game uses a modular board, meaning the layout of locations can vary, increasing replayability and the sense of novelty with each case.

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