Mini Mastermind (1972)

About this game

The travel version of the game Mastermind. It is the same game as Mastermind, but since it is smaller, the code-breaker only has 6 rows in which to guess the solution, instead of the usual 10 in the original version. In Mini Mastermind, one player is the code-maker, and the other player is the code-breaker. The code-maker makes a code out of any combination of 4 colors (out of 6 possible colors). The code-breaker has 6 guesses to figure out the code. After each code guess, the code-maker gives a clue, by placing a black peg for every correct color in the correct position, and placing a white peg for every correct color, in the wrong position. Players generally switch roles after the code is broken or the code-breaker failed to solve the solution. Generally after the second play after roles were switched, the winner is the one who solved the code in the fewest amount of guesses. A common version came in a small 2" X 5" plastic box with a playing board cover is encased in a slipsleeve. All of the components are kept neatly inside the box.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Strictly 2 players — no more, no fewer.
• Rules load. At 1.9/5 this is a light game — explain it in a few minutes, good for a table that has not played much.
• Age. The publisher suggests 8 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.