- BGG rank
- BGG #9,367
- BGG rating
- 5.7
Mastermind
- 2 players
- 20 min
- Complexity 1.8/5
- 1971
- BGG rank
- BGG #9,198
- BGG rating
- 6.0
Ultimate Mastermind
1972
Rules assistance for Ultimate Mastermind
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.
- 2 players
- 10 min
- 8+
- Complexity 2.3/5
For 2 players
Rules assistant for Ultimate Mastermind
What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Ultimate Mastermind is a board game released in 1972 for 2 players, 10 minutes per game, and ages 8 and up. It was designed by Mordecai Meirowitz and its main mechanics are Pattern Recognition and Induction.
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About the game
Ultimate Mastermind has an extra code peg which brings it to another dimension. The code-maker selects arranges any 5 pegs in the compartment right in front of him or her, which is hidden from the code breaker. The code-breaker then has to make guesses as to what the code is by filling in rows of 5 pegs using the feedback from the code-maker (correct color/correct position, correct color/incorrect position, or nothing). There are twelve chances to break the code. If the code-breaker cracks the code in 6 tries, that is how many points are given to the code-maker. Players alternate as code-maker and code-breaker for as many rounds as they would like to play. The player with the lowest point total after the predetermined number of rounds are played, is the winner. This is a more advanced version of the original Mastermind game. This version includes 5 holes (versus 4 in the original) and two extra chances to break the code.
Mechanics
Designers
Publishers
- Parker Brothers
- Clipper
- Nilco S.A.
- Grow Jogos e Brinquedos
- Jumbo
- Chieftain Products
- Falomir Juegos
- Cayro, The Games
- Invicta Games
- Pressman Toy Corp.
- Capiépa Éditeur: Jeux Éducatifs
- Kenbrite
- Ambassador Games (Merchant Ambassador)
- Vedes
- Winshare Puzzles and Games
- Montoy
- Mastermind Toys
Questions and answers
Ultimate Mastermind 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 Ultimate Mastermind is 10 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 Ultimate 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.
Ultimate Mastermind has a complexity rating of 2.3 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a medium-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.
Ultimate Mastermind belongs to these categories: Children's Game, Deduction, and Abstract Strategy. Its main mechanics are Pattern Recognition and Induction. 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 credited designers of Ultimate Mastermind are: Mordecai Meirowitz. These credits come from the published game data and name the people responsible for the game’s design, not its illustrators or publishers. Designer pages on MeepleRules collect other titles by the same designers, which helps when you enjoy a game and want to find similar ones.
The catalogue lists Ultimate 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.