Mastermind

Published 1971

Guess the color of hidden pegs. A deduction game where each player takes turn making a limited number of guesses, using logic to deduce what pegs the opponent has hidden. One player secretly puts four colored pegs in the spaces behind a screen at once end of the game board. The other player, the code breaker, makes a series of guesses. After each guess, the code maker uses smaller pegs to tell the code breaker if their guessed pegs are the right color and in the right place, are the right color but the wrong place, or are the wrong color entirely. The code breaker makes another guess in the next row, building upon information from previous guesses, trying to match the pegs the code maker hid at the beginning of the game. This is a two-player game with 4 holes. For other combinations, please see the Mastermind family.

Mechanics

Deduction Induction Paper-and-Pencil

Categories

Abstract Strategy Deduction

Designers

Mordecai Meirowitz

Publishers

Alga Brohm-Parker-Spiele Cadaco Capiépa - Jeux Éducatifs Cayro Juegos CEFA (Celulosa Fabril S. A.) Chieftain Products Clipper Croner Dilemma Games Diset S. A. Dourios Falomir Juegos Games International BV Globo Giocattoli Grow Jogos e Brinquedos Hasbro Henry Higgins Promotions Inc. Invicta Games Jumbo Kenbrite Krajowa Agencja Wydawnicza Orda Industries Ltd. Parker Brothers Paul Lamond Games Ltd Pavilion Plasticart Poptoy Pressman Toy Corp. シュウクリエィション (Shu Creation) Trixy Games VEB Plastspielwaren Berlin Vic-Toy Waddington's Games Woodstock Spiele
Mastermind

Game Info

Players
2 Players
Time
20 min
Weight
Light-Medium — 1.79/5
Year
1971
BGG Rating
5.68
BGG Rank
#9583
Min Age
8+

Frequently Asked Questions

Mastermind is designed for exactly 2 players. The community rates it best at 2 players.
A typical game of Mastermind takes about 20 minutes.
Mastermind has a complexity rating of 1.79/5.00 on BoardGameGeek, placing it in the 'Light' category. It is very accessible and great for new gamers.
The recommended minimum age for Mastermind is 8+. Younger children may enjoy it with guidance from experienced players.
Mastermind has a rating of 5.68/10 on BoardGameGeek, based on 8,469 ratings. It is ranked #9583 overall.
Mastermind was designed by Mordecai Meirowitz. It was published in 1971.