The Mind

Nürnberger-Spielkarten-Verlag, Arclight Games, Brain Games · Board game · 2018
2–4 · best 4 20 min Weight 1.1/5
7.3 rating Ludopedia
6.7 rating BGG
How to Play Buy · from US$ 6.28
7.3 rating Ludopedia
6.7 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you're looking for a unique cooperative experience that tests your group's unspoken connection, The Mind is an absolute must-try. It's less a game and more a fascinating experiment in collective intuition.

Highlights
  • Uniquely engaging cooperative experience
  • Tests unspoken group synergy
  • Simple rules, profound depth
  • Quick to learn and play
  • Highly replayable and addictive
Keep in mind
  • Requires a specific group dynamic
  • Can be frustrating with misplays
  • Not for competitive players
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our complete step-by-step rules guide.
Access Rules Guide
About the game
Get ready for a gaming experience that goes far beyond just cards! The Mind is less a game and more an experiment in collective telepathy, where communication is forbidden, but the synergy between players is everything. The idea is simple yet brilliant: a deck with cards numbered 1 to 100. The goal? To complete a series of levels by playing all the cards from each player's hand onto a central discard pile, in ascending order. Sounds easy, right? The catch is that you cannot speak, gesture, or make any signals to your tablemates. It's all about eye contact, intuition, and that almost mystical connection that only the most attuned players can achieve.

At the start of each level, you and your friends receive a number of cards equal to the current level. In level 1, one card; in level 2, two, and so on. The challenge is that each player must play their lowest card when they feel the time is right. If someone plays a card and another player has an even lower card in their hand, the team loses a life. The game starts with a number of lives equal to the number of players, and if they run out, it's game over! But not all is lost: you also start with some shurikens, which can be used for everyone to discard their lowest card, giving a 'peek' into hands and helping to advance. As you overcome levels, you might be rewarded with extra lives or shurikens. Successfully completing all levels is the ultimate victory! And for the brave, there's an extreme mode where cards are played face down, and the truth is only revealed at the end of a level, further increasing tension and fun.
Rules videos

In English

Rules manual
Rules manual — The Mind English · PDF
Download PDF
BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST
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Game details

Categories

Families

Digital Implementations: Apple App Store Digital Implementations: Google Play Misc: Watch It Played How To Videos Series: Nature Line (Nürnberger-Spielkarten-Verlag) Series: NSV Middys (Nürnberger Spielkartenverlag)
Publisher Nürnberger-Spielkarten-Verlag, Arclight Games, Brain Games, Coiledspring Games, DV Games, FoxGames
Designer Wolfgang Warsch
Artist Oliver Freudenreich
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average duration of a game of The Mind?
A game of The Mind is super quick! It usually takes about 20 minutes, but the urge to play 'just one more' is almost irresistible, so set aside some extra time for fun.
How many players can participate in The Mind?
The Mind is ideal for small groups, playable with 2 to 4 people. The experience changes a bit with the number of players, but fun is guaranteed in any configuration.
Is The Mind a complex game to learn?
Not at all! The beauty of The Mind lies in its simplicity. The rules are explained in minutes, and the focus is on the gameplay experience and the synergy between participants, not on complicated rules.
What are the main components of the game?
The game is quite compact and comes with a deck of cards numbered 1 to 100, level cards, life cards, and shuriken cards. Everything you need to get into your friends' minds!
Is The Mind a good game for board game beginners?
Absolutely! It's an excellent gateway game. The easy rules and unique experience make it perfect for those starting in the world of board games and wanting something different and engaging.
Are there any expansions for The Mind?
Yes, there is an expansion called 'The Mind: Extreme', which adds a new level of challenge to the game, with cards played face down and the possibility of playing with two discard piles in different orders.
Who will enjoy The Mind?
The Mind is for those who enjoy cooperative games, seek an innovative experience, and don't mind 'reading their friends' minds'. It's great for warming up the table, playing with family, or challenging intuition in a casual get-together.