Grimrock

I've read the manual twice. I've played for over 30 minutes. But I CANNOT figure out how to use the cudgel against the snail. What's the deal? How do I attack the snail? I can throw things at him, but I can't swing the cudgel at him or hit him with it. What am I missing, and where is this info in the manual? I see references to melee, but nothing about how you do melee.....

Hit Escape, and click on the tutorial. It explains everything.

Also: right click is the default for "use item". So, right click that cudgel (assuming it's in your character's hand) and it'll swing.

I bet you are r-clicking on the monster itself? You have to r-click on the actual weapon in your party member window.

Also make sure the person with the "cudgel?" are in the front row.

Don't feel bad. When I started playing I started left clicking the weapons. Had to read the tutorial info also.

It's worth experimenting with the weapons. I'll leave it at that.