—
rating
Ludopedia
6.0
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
If you love cracking codes and want a quick mental duel, Ultimate Mastermind delivers.
Highlights
- More colors and holes
- Classic feedback system
- 10‑minute rounds
Keep in mind
- No luck, pure logic
- May feel repetitive
Rules manual not indexed yet
Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.
About the game
What you do in a play session
Ultimate Mastermind takes the classic code‑breaking duel to a new dimension. Each round has two roles: the code‑maker and the code‑breaker. The maker freely selects five pegs from eight colors and hides them in a compartment right in front of them. The breaker then fills rows of five pegs, trying to guess the hidden pattern. After each guess, the maker provides the classic feedback – correct color in correct position, correct color in wrong position, or nothing – allowing the breaker to refine the hypothesis. You have twelve attempts to crack the code; if you succeed within six tries, the maker scores points equal to the number of attempts used. The game alternates roles for as many rounds as the players desire, and the player with the lowest total score at the end wins. The twist compared to the original Mastermind is simple but impactful: five holes instead of four, eight colors instead of four, and two extra attempts, adding strategic depth without overcomplicating. A typical game lasts about ten minutes, perfect for quick sessions or as a warm‑up before longer games. Components are sturdy – a plastic board, colorful pegs, and scoring markers – and everything fits in a compact box. Being a pure deduction game, there is no luck; success hinges on your ability to induct patterns from the clues. This makes it appealing both to kids learning logical thinking and to adults who enjoy a fast mental challenge. If you loved the classic Mastermind or are looking for a two‑player logic puzzle, Ultimate Mastermind delivers exactly that, with an extra layer of complexity that keeps each round fresh.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
Loading playlist...
Where to Buy
Prices monitored daily
Finding best prices...
Prices unavailable at this time.
Price history — last 6 months (lowest new offer)
Alert enabled!
Join the BoardGamesBot deals group
Get the best board game deals every day — without message spam.
Join the WhatsApp groupGame details
Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Montoy, Ambassador Games (Merchant Ambassador), Capiépa Éditeur: Jeux Éducatifs, Cayro, The Games, Chieftain Products, Clipper, Falomir Juegos, Grow Jogos e Brinquedos, Invicta Games, Jumbo, Kenbrite, Mastermind Toys, Nilco S.A., Parker Brothers, Pressman Toy Corp., Vedes, Winshare Puzzles and Games
Designer
Mordecai Meirowitz
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players can play?
Exactly two players, who alternate between code‑maker and code‑breaker.
How long does a game take?
Around 10 minutes per round, depending on how quickly the code is cracked.
What is the recommended minimum age?
8 years old, as the rules are simple but the logic can challenge adults.
How many colors and holes are there?
Eight colors and five holes to compose the secret code.
Is there any luck involved?
No. The game is pure deduction and pattern recognition.
What components are included?
A plastic board, 40 colored pegs, scoring markers, and a rule sheet.
Can beginners play it?
Absolutely; it’s a natural extension of classic Mastermind and easy to learn.
Other Games You'll Like
Based on mechanics and theme