
- BGG rank
- BGG #9,340
- BGG rating
- 5.7
Mastermind
2 players20 min1971

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

What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
New Mastermind is a board game released in 2004 for 2–5 players, 30 minutes per game, and ages 8 and up.
Based on the classic version of Mastermind, the only real change is that this edition is multi-player, supporting up to 5 players. In a 5 player game, one person sets the code, and the others take turns making their guesses. Each guess scores points based on its accuracy as follows. 1 point for right color, wrong spot 2 points for right color, right spot 10 points for cracking the code Game is played over a number of rounds equal to the number of players, most total points wins.
New Mastermind supports 2–5 players according to the catalogue. This range comes from the publisher’s listed player count, so the game can be set up for any group size within it. Some setups, rules and scoring details may still vary by player count, so check your edition’s rulebook for the exact configuration.
The listed playing time for New Mastermind 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 New Mastermind for ages 8 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.
New Mastermind has a complexity rating of 1.8 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.
New Mastermind belongs to these categories: Deduction, Abstract Strategy, and Memory. Categories describe the theme, setting and style of a game rather than its rules. Filter the catalogue by the same category to find similar games when you enjoyed New Mastermind and want something comparable for your next game night.
The catalogue lists New Mastermind 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.