Boffin reveals secrets for winning family board games this festive season — including Cluedo and Monopoly

A MATHS buff has revealed the secrets to winning family board games — including picking Mrs Peacock in Cluedo.

Picking the character in the much-loved whodunnit gives an advantage, as she is closest to most rooms, the expert says.

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Top tips for Monopoly, Battleship and Wordle were also revealed by Marcus du Sautoy, Oxford University Simonyi Professor for the Public Understanding of Science.

Mrs Peacock rolls fifth and starts between the billiard room and conservatory.

But she can also reach the ballroom or the kitchen quicker than other suspects.

For Monopoly, Marcus said owning orange properties near the jail is key.

Prison is twice as likely to be occupied, as it is used by those landing on “Go to Jail”, sent there by a card, or throwing three doubles.

Players are also there “just visiting”.

Those leaving jail are more likely to throw six, seven or eight — there are several combinations of those possible with two dice — and land on orange Bow St, Vine St and Marlborough St, owing rent to the owner.

For Battleship, he said grouping pieces is best.

And for Wordle, starting with “cones” and then “trial” can succeed in 96 per cent of games.

The Around the World in 80 Games author said: “Under every game there is mathematics.”