
- BGG rank
- BGG #9,184
- BGG rating
- 6.2
Master Fox
- 2–4 players
- 20 min
- Complexity 1.1/5
- 2015

Rules assistance for Mastermind for Kids
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.

For 2 players
What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Mastermind for Kids is a board game released in 1996 for 2 players, 30 minutes per game, and ages 6 and up. Its main mechanics are Pattern Recognition.
This version of Mastermind has 3 holes in each row, rather than the standard 4. Some editions have a jungle theme. The code maker secretly sets up a line of 3 jungle animals in the code holes using any combination of the six colors and hides them behind the Rocky Mountain section of the board. The codebreaker must now try to guess the secret code by placing jungle animals in the large holes. Each time the codebreaker places a row of jungle animals, the code maker will let them know how they're doing by using the red and white creature pieces. The winner is the player who guesses the opponent's, code in the fewest turns.
Mastermind for Kids supports 2 players according to the catalogue. This is the publisher’s listed player count, so the game is designed for exactly that number of participants. Variants for other group sizes, if any, are described in the rulebook of your edition, so check it before setting up a different configuration.
The listed playing time for Mastermind for Kids is 30 minutes. This is the publisher’s estimate for a full game. The actual duration depends on the group, the player count and familiarity with the rules: first sessions usually run longer, while experienced groups often finish faster. Setup and teaching time are not included in this estimate.
The catalogue lists Mastermind for Kids for ages 6 and up. This is the publisher’s recommendation and reflects reading demands, rule complexity and small components rather than theme alone. Younger players can often join with help from an adult, so check the age guidance on your edition and consider your group’s experience with board games.
Mastermind for Kids has a complexity rating of 1.5 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a light game. The rating reflects how much rules knowledge, planning and decision-making a typical game demands. Expect a longer first teach for heavier games, and use a preparation guide before game night.
Mastermind for Kids belongs to these categories: Animals, Children's Game, and Deduction. Its main mechanics are Pattern Recognition. Categories describe the theme and setting of a game, while mechanics describe what players actually do on their turns. Each mechanic links to a catalogue hub with similar games, which helps when you want something comparable.
The catalogue lists Mastermind for Kids as a base game. It can be played on its own with the components in the box and does not require any other title. Expansions, if any exist, add new content or rules on top of it and are listed separately in the catalogue with a link back to this base game.