Checkpoint Charlie

About this board game

Checkpoint Charlie is a 2016 game of observation, deduction, and mental agility for 3–5 players, with a play time of about 30 minutes. Set during the Cold War, it turns a world of detectives and spies into a stylized contest featuring cartoon dogs and cats.

Each player receives a clue revealing one of five possible traits belonging to the hidden chief of spies. Players then reveal cards as they examine the characters, identifying whether each one is a suspect or not. As the investigation develops, everyone gathers more clues and narrows the search.

The chief of spies matches all five clues, while the chief’s aides match four of the five. The challenge is to recognize the right character in time, before another investigator makes the decisive accusation.

• Observe a cast of cartoon-stylized dogs and cats.
• Use clues to identify suspects and eliminate possibilities.
• Accuse the chief of spies for the biggest reward.
• Find the aides for additional points, while incorrect outcomes can lead to no points or negative rewards.

Timing is essential in Checkpoint Charlie. The first player to accuse the chief of spies earns the most points, while players who identify the aides can also score. Those who fail to reach the right conclusion may receive nothing or suffer negative rewards, making every clue and accusation matter.

Two optional rules add further strategy for groups looking for a deeper challenge. With its compact deduction premise and steadily developing information, Checkpoint Charlie asks players to stay alert, compare clues, and act decisively when the evidence points to the hidden mastermind.