Every so often I’ll be highlighting some of the spy games I’ve picked up from various second hand stores over the years. I haven’t played most of these yet, as finding willing spy game participants can be tricky, but I’m hoping to road test some of these as the kids get older.

I’m excited to final post about a spy game that I actually have experience playing. Scotland Yard is a unique game with a lot of fun playability.

The concept of game is that Mr. X some type of criminal/spy who has taken to the streets to escape the detectives who are hunting for him. One player is Mr. X while up to five others work cooperatively as the detectives to find him. All players use the bus, a taxi or the underground to get around London, with Mr. X’s movements hidden except for a few moments during gameplay when his location is revealed.

One of the games highlights is the game board which is a relatively accurate map of London. If you’ve ever been there before it’s quite exciting to feel as if you’re chasing a suspect through the streets. The game does a good job of creating tension. Once the location of Mr. X has been revealed, the chase is on and coordinating with your fellow detectives is extremely important for success.

A variety of different versions are available with different locations like Hong Kong, Switzerland, New York, an updated London map, even an iPhone app but they’ve all kept the general rules and format.

I highly recommend searching out a copy either in your local thrift store, game store or online.