Word Mastermind (1972)

About this game

A word version of the popular color matching Mastermind Game. In this multi-lingual edition, players must attempt to guess three and four letter words in the least number of attempts. Small yellow letters are placed on the board and clues are given as to whether the letter exists in the Word Maker's word. Black clue: proper letter and location. White clue: Proper letter, wrong location. To assist play, the rules include lists of common three and four letter words in 10 languages. Words Worth us very similar but not identical; the guesser places yellow pegs on the letters they are guessing and these are each replaced with a black peg if the correct letter is earlier in the alphabet or a white peg if it is later.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Strictly 2 players — no more, no fewer.
• Rules load. At 1.6/5 this is a light game — explain it in a few minutes, good for a table that has not played much.
• Age. The publisher suggests 12 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.