
- BGG rank
- BGG #8,714
- BGG rating
- 6.1
Sherlock Holmes: The Card Game
- 3–8 players
- 60 min
- Complexity 1.5/5
- 1991

2014
Rules assistance for I Say, Holmes! (Second Edition)
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.

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Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
I Say, Holmes! (Second Edition) is a board game released in 2014 for 3–8 players, 30–45 minutes per game, and ages 13 and up. It was designed by Alan Emrich and Roger Heyworth and its main mechanics are Hand Management, Memory, and Open Drafting.
I Say, Holmes! is a card game based on the classic adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. As observers on Holmes’ current case, you will play a variety of cards to push the case forward, creating the story as Holmes and Watson attempt to arrest the villain; the only problem is that at least one of you is acting as a double agent, endeavoring to assist the villains as they try to slip from the Great Detective's grasp. This new version of I Say, Holmes! features completely new custom art created by Clark Miller (Darkest Night, Trieste) showcased on 125 playing cards, alongside custom-shaped, laser-cut counters; we’ve brought all of our expertise to bear on making I Say, Holmes! into one of our most stunningly beautiful game yet.
I Say, Holmes! (Second Edition) supports 3–8 players according to the catalogue. This range comes from the publisher’s listed player count, so the game can be set up for any group size within it. Some setups, rules and scoring details may still vary by player count, so check your edition’s rulebook for the exact configuration.
The listed playing time for I Say, Holmes! (Second Edition) is 30–45 minutes. This is the publisher’s estimate for a full game. The actual duration depends on the group, the player count and familiarity with the rules: first sessions usually run longer, while experienced groups often finish faster. Setup and teaching time are not included in this estimate.
The catalogue lists I Say, Holmes! (Second Edition) for ages 13 and up. This is the publisher’s recommendation and reflects reading demands, rule complexity and small components rather than theme alone. Younger players can often join with help from an adult, so check the age guidance on your edition and consider your group’s experience with board games.
I Say, Holmes! (Second Edition) has a complexity rating of 1.6 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a light game. The rating reflects how much rules knowledge, planning and decision-making a typical game demands. Expect a longer first teach for heavier games, and use a preparation guide before game night.
I Say, Holmes! (Second Edition) belongs to these categories: Card Game, Deduction, and Murder / Mystery. Its main mechanics are Hand Management, Memory, and Open Drafting. Categories describe the theme and setting of a game, while mechanics describe what players actually do on their turns. Each mechanic links to a catalogue hub with similar games, which helps when you want something comparable.
The credited designers of I Say, Holmes! (Second Edition) are: Alan Emrich and Roger Heyworth. These credits come from the published game data and name the people responsible for the game’s design, not its illustrators or publishers. Designer pages on MeepleRules collect other titles by the same designers, which helps when you enjoy a game and want to find similar ones.
The catalogue lists I Say, Holmes! (Second Edition) as a base game. It can be played on its own with the components in the box and does not require any other title. Expansions, if any exist, add new content or rules on top of it and are listed separately in the catalogue with a link back to this base game.