# Ultimate Mastermind

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 1972
- **BGG Rating**: 6.0
- **BGG Rank**: #9181
- **Players**: 2 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 10 min
- **Weight**: 2.26 / 5
- **Designers**: Mordecai Meirowitz
- **Publishers**: 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
- **Categories**: Abstract Strategy, Children's Game, Deduction, Puzzle
- **Mechanics**: Induction, Pattern Recognition

## Verdict
If you love cracking codes and want a quick mental duel, Ultimate Mastermind delivers.More colors and holesClassic feedback system10‑minute roundsNo luck, pure logicMay feel repetitiveRECOMMENDED

## Description
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.

## FAQ
### 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.