Cluedo night checklist: organise the mystery step by step

A successful Cluedo night depends on more than having the game boxes ready. You need a clear format, balanced teams, role information, score sheets and a room where people can move between game tables. This checklist takes you from confirming the date and collecting dietary requirements to chilling drinks and welcoming guests. Use it to spot the jobs people often leave until the last hour, especially printing materials, checking missing equipment and setting up the reception desk.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Confirm date and location
Define the game format and teams
2 people
Send invitations
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Check game materials
2 people
Replenish missing game equipment
Reserve a room
Create the schedule and matchups
2 people
Prepare the role distribution
2 people
Check the shopping list
Do the shopping
2 people
Sort game equipment
2 people
Prepare name badges
Print score sheets
Set out decorations
Clean the room
2 people
Set up tables
3 people
Set out chairs
2 people
Decorate tables
2 people
Set up game tables
3 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people
Set up the reception desk

Event

Welcome guests
3 people
Explain the rules
2 people
Assign teams and roles
3 people
Guide the first game round
3 people
Serve snacks
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Guide the second round of the game
3 people
Serve dinner
3 people
Guide the third game round
3 people
Collect the final accusations
2 people
Announce the winner
Say goodbye to guests
2 people

Aftercare

Remove food and waste
2 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Clean up game materials
2 people
Clear tables and chairs
3 people
Clean the room
2 people
Store leftover items
Return borrowed items

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 30
Side tablesqty 2
Clothing rack

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 36
Coffee mugsqty 30
Platesqty 36
Cutlery setsqty 36
Serving plattersqty 8
Small serving plattersqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 8
Serving boardsqty 4

Kitchen

Kettlesqty 2
Coffee maker
Bottle openersqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knifeqty 2
Coolersqty 3

Game materials

Cluedo gamesqty 4
Score sheetsqty 40
Pensqty 36
Name badgesqty 30
Envelopesqty 12
Notepadsqty 30

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Battery lightsqty 8
Decorative magnifying glassesqty 4

Equipment

Bluetooth speaker
Power stripsqty 3
Extension cordsqty 3

Lighting

Standing lampsqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the game format before sending invitations. Decide how many teams you can run, how long each round will take and whether everyone needs a specific role or character.
Check the Cluedo games and printed materials at least 3 days before the event. Count the game pieces, prepare enough score sheets and pens, and replace anything missing before shopping or setup day.
Collect dietary requirements with registrations, then finish the food and drink check 2 days before the night. Plan serving platters, plates, glasses and chilled drinks rather than relying on guests to bring what they need.
Prepare the role distribution, name badges, envelopes and matchups before guests arrive. Keep each team’s information together so the reception desk can hand it out quickly instead of explaining every role from scratch.
Allow at least 60 minutes for room setup. Put out tables and chairs first, create clear game-table layouts, then add tablecloths, decorations, battery lights and the speaker once the practical arrangement works.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a Cluedo night?: Confirm the date and room at least 2 to 3 weeks ahead, especially if you need to reserve a separate space. Send invitations early enough to collect registrations and dietary requirements before buying food.
How many people do I need for a Cluedo night?: Set the guest number around your game format and available tables rather than choosing one fixed number. As a practical guide, prepare one organised team or game table for every group your Cluedo materials can support, then confirm the final matchups after registrations close.
What should I prepare the day before a Cluedo night?: The day before, check the games, sort all equipment, print score sheets, prepare name badges and role envelopes, and complete the shopping. Also confirm the schedule, matchups and dietary requirements so event-day setup is limited to room preparation and food and drink.
How long does it take to set up a Cluedo night?: Allow at least 60 minutes for a straightforward setup, and longer if you are decorating several game tables. Set up the room, tables and chairs first; place game materials and reception items only after the layout is fixed.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.