How to Print, Prep, and Play Your Mystery Game Kit with Ease
New Release: How to Print, Prep, and Play Your Mystery Game Kit with Ease
Skip the setup stress—follow this all-in-one checklist to get from download to “lights, camera, murder!” in under 90 minutes.
1. Gather Your Supplies
- Paper: 200 gsm matte card stock for clue cards; 90–120 gsm for scripts and notes.
- Envelopes: #6¾ size for clue cards (color-code per act).
- Cutting tools: Sharp paper trimmer or scissors, plus bone folder for crisp folds.
- Adhesives: Double-sided tape or glue stick—avoid wet glue that wrinkles.
- Optional flair: Wax-seal stickers, ribbon, or themed stamps.
2. Perfect Printing Settings
- Open the PDF in Adobe Reader or browser—ensure “Actual Size” (100 %) is selected.
- Quality: Choose “High” or “Best” mode to keep small fonts crisp.
- Ink-Saver Tip: Switch large background images to our included “Ink-Friendly” alternate pages.
- Duplex: Disable double-sided printing for clue cards; enable for scripts to save paper.
- Proof: Print one test page to verify margins before batch printing.
3. Trim, Fold, and Assemble
All CapitalOfMystery files include dotted trim guides and scissor icons.
Cut along dotted lines, then fold on solid lines.
Pro Tip: Use a blunt butter knife against a ruler to score folds if you lack a bone folder.
- Stack cut clue cards A1–A6 face-down; clip with a binder clip until envelope time.
- Place evidence photos in separate clear zip bags to avoid fingerprints.
4. Organize by Act & Role
- Label Envelopes: “Act 1 – A1 to A6,” “Act 2 – B1 to B6,” etc.
- Role Packets: Slide each character sheet + public bio into its own envelope.
- Evidence Box: Keep props hidden in a shoebox labeled “Do Not Open — Host Only”.
5. Quick Host Checklist
- 🔲 Print & trim all pages.
- 🔲 Stuff envelopes by act.
- 🔲 Highlight your narration script.
- 🔲 Place a timer or phone stand for act pacing.
- 🔲 Cue background playlist and sound stings.
- 🔲 Set snacks between Acts 1 & 2, dessert before Act 3.
6. Troubleshooting Common Issues
Pages print off-center? Select “Fit to printable area.”
Clue text blurry? Increase print DPI to 600 × 600 and disable “Draft” mode.
Running out of envelopes? Fold clue cards in thirds and seal with tape flags—function over form!
FAQs
Can I print at a copy shop?
Yes—use the provided “Copy-Shop Release” page to avoid licensing questions.
No color printer—what now?
Switch to the built-in grayscale version; hand-highlight act numbers with colored markers.
How soon should I print?
48 hours before your event gives you cushion for reprints and envelope stuffing.