Mastermind

OVERVIEW

What it is

Mastermind is a simple two player puzzle game similar to Pico Fermi Bagels. One player sets a secret code. The other player tries to guess it. Then you switch roles. Players get points based on how many tries it takes the codebreaker to get the secret code correct. 

Quick start rules

The Codesetter puts four colored pegs in any order they choose into the secret location. The Codebreaker places four colored pegs in the first row of the board. Then the setter places small pegs, either white (right color, wrong location) or red (right color, right location) into holes beside the colored pegs. The Codebreaker doesn't know which pegs these correspond to, and play continues as the Codebreaker guesses until s/he gets the right combination. The Codesetter receives as many points as tries that the Codebreaker needed to get the secret code and the two switch roles. Play continues until someone receives the predetermined number of points. 

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

This is a very simple game to learn. There's quite a bit of luck that goes into the first couple of tries, but skill is needed as the Codebreaker continues through the tries. The game could be over relatively quickly if one player is vastly underskilled, though. 

WHAT WE THINK NOW

Younger children may be easily frustrated by this game, but my 7 year old found it not particularly challenging on her first try. This is a very fun, fast game.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

Suggested ages

Box: 

8+

Developmental Skills Actually Necessary:

Strategic thought, dexterity to place pegs (or have help placing pegs)

Rating and Maturity:

Suitable for all ages

Our Final Assessment:

Play Time

Depends on number of points you have determined, but could be over in as short as 20 minutes. 

Space Necessary

Very little