Music Sleuths Rules – Fair Play & Hunt Guidelines

These rules apply to every Music Sleuths armchair music mystery hunt.

We run genuine skill-based prize competitions under UK law — success depends entirely on your ability to decode the cryptic clues about music artists, songs, albums, collaborations, iconic moments, and more — not chance.

No purchase is necessary. Free entry, when available, is just as valid as any paid option.

By entering any hunt, you agree to these terms.

Please read them carefully to ensure fair play for everyone.

These guidelines keep things transparent, fun, and fully compliant.

Scroll down for full details on entry, clues, judging, prizes, and more.

Questions? Check our FAQ or email us: Here — we're here to help!

How to Enter

Entrants must submit their answers via the secure link we send in the clues email, before the published closing time.

Free Hunts: No payment required - enter via one of the "Enter Free Hunt" buttons on the site.

Only one entry per person. Each participant must use their own unique email address.

Paid Hunts: Pay the stated entry fee (eg, £2.50) via the secure PayPal button on the "Enter Hunt" form, then submit your answer via the link in the clues email.

All entries judged equally regardless of method.

Clues & Delivery

Each hunt consists of 3 cryptic clues leading to one secret music artist, song, album, collaboration, or iconic moment, — through hints about lyrics fragments, production trivia, obscure facts, chart positions, iconic gigs, sampling history, famous features, personal lore, or other juicy music details.

Clues delivered exclusively via email (never posted publicly on Facebook or elsewhere to keep it fair):

All valid entrants receive:

Clue 1: Exactly 15 minutes after entries close.

Clue 2: Exactlty 30 minutes after Clue 1.

Clue 3: Exactly 30 minutes after Clue 2.

All valid entrants receive the same clues at the same time for fairness.

Closing Date & Time

Each hunt publishes a clear final deadline for entries (e.g., Sunday 15th February 2026 at 7pm UK time)

No entries will be accepted after this time.

Answers must be submitted before the deadline (e.g., 48 hours after entries close, or as stated). Late entries disqualified.

Judging & Winner Selection

Prize awarded to the first fully correct entry (exact answer with correct spelling and wording) received and verified before the deadline.

Judging based solely on accuracy and timestamp — 100% skill-based, no chance involved.

The hunt runs on a published schedule. Entries sent on time are treated equally, regardless of early or late submissions within the window.

We aim to award a winner every hunt.

Runner-up Prize (if applicable)

Runner-up Bonus (e.g., £25) goes to the second-fastest correct entry by timestamp.

Paid vis PayPal within 48 hours, with full proof shown in the Winners section.

Prize Payment

Prize is the cash amount stated for that hunt.

Paid via PayPal within 48 hours of announcement.

Winners provide valid PayPal email (international accepted where possible).

Winner Notification & Claim

Winners notified via entry email.

Must claim prize and provide PayPal details within 7 days of notification.

If winner does not respond or provide details, we reserve the right to select a replacement.

Questions about how a hunt works?

Email us: Here — we're happy to explain or check out our FAQ page.

For eligibility, entry methods, prize claiming, liability, and full legal details, please see our separate Terms & Conditions page.

Ready to Start Sleuthing Music?

Are you ready to put your music knowledge to the test?

Our cozy armchair music hunts are designed for pure fun from home — with cash prizes for the sharpest minds who crack our cryptic clues about artists, songs, albums, collaborations, iconic moments, or juicy details.

See full details in our Rules page

Join fellow sleuths for hints, discussions, and community chat, in our Facebook group

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