The problem is identified as important clues being missed due to failed dice-rolls, resulting in play grinding to a halt.

The Gumshoe System is designed to solve this by making the game not about finding clues, but about interpreting them.

The Gumshoe System is player-centric, putting die rolling in the hands of the players whenever possible.

Non-player character abilities either modify the roll made by the player, or succeeds or fails depending on what the game master finds dramatically appropriate.

The purpose of investigative abilities is to find clues that advance the story.

These clues are not necessary to solve the scenario, though they should give additional information or other benefits.

For these situations, the Gumshoe System utilizes a single six-sided die, which is rolled against a difficulty (or target number).

As long as the die roll is equal to or higher than the difficulty, the player character has succeeded in its action.

Use of appropriate abilities can refresh some spent or lost points in Health and Stability during play.

Pelgrane Press has produced a number of games that use the Gumshoe System.