Mastermind

by Pressman Toy

Product Features

• The classic game that brings together a code maker and a code breaker
• Classic game of logic an deduction
• New translucent game board
• Two players

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 11.5 x 2 inches ; 8 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00000DMBF
• Item model number: 3018-06B
• Manufacturer recommended age: 8 years and up
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,329 in Toys & Games (See Top 100 in Toys & Games)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (68 customer reviews)

Product Description

Amazon.com

Test your code-cracking prowess with Mastermind, "the challenging game of logic and deduction." The codemaker sets a code of four colored pegs--choosing from yellow, red, orange, blue, green, or white--and conceals it behind a flip-up shield. Your mission: replicate the code in 10 moves or fewer. With each of the codebreaker's attempts, the codemaker uses red and white key pegs to offer cryptic clues about color and position. Make the game even more difficult by using multiple pegs of the same color or by leaving one or more peg holes empty. With more than 2,000 possible code combinations, every game is guaranteed to be a brain-bender. All of Mastermind's components can be stored in the game board. Mastermind is for two players.

Product Description

8 years & up. The classic game that brings together a codemaker and a codebreaker. Includes MASTERMIND(R) game console with built-in storage tray, 108 code pegs in 6 colors, 30 key pegs in 2 colors, and rules. For 2 players.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Put On Your Thinking Caps For This One!, January 2, 2003

By 

L. Shirley "Laurie's Boomer Views" (Huntington Beach,CA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Mastermind (Toy)

"Mastermind" is a great game for those who like to use their deductive reasoning.I have the older version and it has lasted for years. It can be played by children(starting around the pre-teen age)and adults together and it's also great for just the kids or just the grownups to play on their own.

The game consists of multi-colored pegs and a board.One person arranges several pegs(which are hidden from view) in any number of color schemes. The other player has several chances to guess the pattern by arranging the pegs in different orders until he guesses the correct scheme or runs out of chances. The first player indicates how many correct colors are displayed. Using the process of elimination is the key to winning!

It's a great game to take along when traveling or visiting (much easier to pack up then a computer and video games!). The pieces are very small so I would reccommend keeping it out of reach of toddlers.

It will really make you think!(I like to see my kids thinking, it's such a rare treat!)...Have Fun...Laurie

37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Forget kids' version - get this one!, November 25, 2005

By 

A. Smith (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Mastermind (Toy)

I've had the original Mastermind for about 30 years, and it's a great way to hone logic skills. My 5-year-old recently got Mastermind for Kids as a gift, and I was disappointed. I guess it's "cute" to make the game look like a bowl of Lucky Charms or something, but in the kids' version there are NO PEGS - the pieces get scattered everywhere, ruining the game, with one false move. Tedious and very frustrating, especially for little ones. The kids' version is a bit simpler as it allows for only three combinations, not four like the original; BUT you can just as easily decide to do the same with the original version anyway. GET THE ORIGINAL, IT's GREAT!

30 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good for a while..., March 1, 2000

By A Customer

= Durability:3.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:3.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Mastermind (Toy)

Mastermind is a classic game, and I still play the occasional game even after having owned it for 15+ years. The premise and rules are simple, so it is easy to learn how to play. But that simplicity works against it in the long run- most of the time, I slip into the same optimum strategy and inevitably break the code. Since the game lends itself to this mechanical play, I can't give it more than 3 stars for fun. Before you find the strategy that works best, though (or, if you don't mind applying the same strategy over and over again) the game is great fun.

Common durability problems among the several sets that I've owned include lost color pegs and broken password covers- of course, improvising solutions to these can add to the fun factor ;-/

The toy is excellent educationally. The game stands out for encouraging the codebreaker to apply rigorous thought to potential solutions. I remember busting my brain over this game as a kid. The mix of logic and creativity necessary to come up with satisfactory solutions make it a great game for budding minds.