What do I place in the matrix?
Suspects and investigation markers share one matrix. Place exactly one element in every row and every column. Ordinary objects and fixed traces do not occupy a row or column themselves.
ALIBRIX · detective help
Four rules before you start
These four core rules are all you need to begin any case. They explain the difference between matrix elements, objects, time windows and matrix relationships.
What does “stood next to an object” mean?
In an object clue, wording such as “sat on”, “stood next to” and “carried” means that the element goes in the same cell as the pictured object. It does not mean an adjacent cell in this context.
When do I use an alibi?
An alibi outside the time-of-death window does not affect matrix placement. Solve the matrix first and only then compare the alibi windows with the time-of-death window.
Example: with a 21:00–21:15 window, an alibi ending at 21:00 or starting at 21:15 still overlaps. Both the start and end times are inclusive.
Does a wall block a matrix relationship?
No. Distances, directions and adjacent cells refer to matrix coordinates. Two cells directly next to one another horizontally or vertically remain matrix-adjacent, even with a wall or doorway between them. Diagonal cells are not adjacent.
You do not need to read the rest first
Feel free to start investigating right away. The questions below are only a reference. Use them whenever you get stuck during a case or are unsure how to read a clue.
Reference while investigating
More questions about the puzzle rules
Matrix elements, objects and traces
What exactly is a matrix element?
A suspect or investigation marker that you place in the matrix yourself. A matrix element occupies one row and one column.
Can a suspect be placed in a cell with a pictured object?
Yes. The object is a visual placement clue and does not occupy the cell itself. The matrix element is placed in the cell containing the named object.
What is the difference between an ordinary object and a fixed trace?
An ordinary object helps you place a suspect or marker. A fixed trace is already shown on the map and is only examined during the final deduction as possible evidence. Neither occupies a row or column.
Can a fixed trace overlap a matrix element?
No. In the current cases, fixed traces have their own cell and do not overlap a suspect or investigation marker.
Does every zone contain a fixed trace?
Yes. Every zone contains one pictured fixed trace. The forensic clue determines which trace is the decisive evidence.
Reading clues
What if the same object appears more than once?
All cells containing that object are possible positions at first. Use the other clues and the rule of one element per row and column to eliminate possibilities.
Should I read every clue literally?
Yes. An object name, row, column, direction, distance or zone can exclude a position. Keep the special convention in mind: within an object clue, actions such as “stood next to” link the element to the object in the same cell.
Can a clue refer to someone who has not been placed yet?
Yes. Note the possible relationship first. Once one of the two elements has been placed, use the clue again to narrow down the other.
Do diagonals count as “adjacent”?
No. Adjacent means directly next to one another horizontally or vertically, unless a clue explicitly refers to a diagonal.
What does “north of” or “west of” mean?
“North of” means in a higher row; “west of” means in a column to the left. The cells do not need to share the same column or row unless the clue explicitly says so.
Distances, walls and zones
What is a matrix step?
A matrix step is one cell horizontally or vertically. The distance is the total difference in rows plus the difference in columns. Walls and doorways do not change that distance.
What does “on the same diagonal” mean?
Two cells are on the same diagonal when the difference in rows is equal to the difference in columns.
What are walls, doorways, windows and the outer edge used for?
They mainly help determine WHERE: the correct crime-scene zone. They do not block matrix distance, direction or adjacency relationships.
Can the decisive evidence be in a different zone from the crime scene?
Yes. In the current cases, the decisive evidence is deliberately outside the crime-scene zone. Determine WHERE and EVIDENCE separately.
Alibis and the time-of-death window
Can I still use a placement clue if the alibi falls outside the time-of-death window?
Yes. The statement is still needed to place the element in the matrix. The time window is only used afterwards to determine who can still be the perpetrator.
What happens if an alibi falls completely before or after the time-of-death window?
That suspect is eliminated during the final selection for WHO, but remains part of the matrix you have already solved.
Does one minute of overlap count?
Yes. Any overlap counts. A suspect also remains possible when only the start or end time is exactly equal to the boundary of the time-of-death window.
Why do several alibis remain possible after the time check?
That is intentional. The time selection alone does not identify the perpetrator. Cross-reference it with the spatial matrix condition; only the intersection produces one name.
WHO, WHERE and EVIDENCE
In what order should I solve the final deduction?
First solve the complete matrix. Then determine WHERE through the location analysis, EVIDENCE through the forensic relationship and finally WHO by cross-referencing the spatial candidates with the overlapping alibis.
How do I determine WHERE?
Find the zone containing M1, the location index, and check the named features such as the outer edge, windows and number of visible doorways.
How do I determine EVIDENCE?
Use M2, the forensic reference point, and apply the stated distance, direction, zone or diagonal relationship to the fixed traces. Exactly one trace should match.
How do I determine WHO?
First select the suspects who satisfy the matrix condition in relation to the evidence. Cross-reference that selection with the suspects whose alibi window overlaps the time-of-death window. One suspect remains.
Can the matrix condition or the time selection produce just one suspect on its own?
No. Both selections should contain several candidates. Only the intersection of space and time makes the perpetrator unique.
If you get stuck
Where should I restart?
Find the element with the fewest possible cells, or a row or column with only one position left. Then check all relative clues again.
Can I fill in WHO, WHERE or EVIDENCE before the matrix is complete?
You may note possible answers, but the intended and most reliable order is to complete the matrix first and perform the final deduction afterwards.
Do I need archive notes or another book?
No. Every regular case in Volume I can be solved on its own. Archive notes do not change the local solution and are not required to close the case.
How do I check my solution?
Do not only compare the perpetrator's name. Also check the complete matrix placement, the crime-scene zone, the selected evidence and the decisive cross-reference with the alibi window.