
- BGG rank
- BGG #163
- BGG rating
- 7.5
Codenames
- 2–8 players
- 15 min
- Complexity 1.3/5
- 2015

Rules assistance for Word Mastermind
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.
Word Mastermind is a board game released in 1972 for 2 players, 10 minutes per game, and ages 12 and up. Its main mechanics are Deduction.
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.
Word 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 Word 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 Word Mastermind for ages 12 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.
Word Mastermind has a complexity rating of 1.6 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.
Word Mastermind belongs to these categories: Word Game and Deduction. Its main mechanics are Deduction. 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 Word 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.