The Mind Card Game
The Mind is a cooperative card game designed by Wolfgang Warsch and published by Nürnberger-Spielkarten-Verlag in 2018. The game supports 2–4 players, ages 8 and up, with an average playtime of 20 minutes. Players must play cards in ascending order without communicating. This review examines The Mind’s gameplay, components, mechanics, and suitability for different player types.
The Mind Card Game Overview
The Mind challenges players to coordinate silently, relying on intuition and timing to play numbered cards in order. Each level increases in difficulty, testing teamwork and focus. The game blends tension, strategy, and cooperative problem-solving into a simple, elegant system.
| Designer | Wolfgang Warsch |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Nürnberger-Spielkarten-Verlag |
| Year Released | 2018 |
| Players | 2–4 |
| Age Range | 8+ |
| Playing Time | 20 minutes |
| Game Type/Category | Card Game, Cooperative, Family, Party |
| Complexity Rating | 1.07 / 5 |
The Mind Card Game Components
- Deck of 100 numbered cards (1–100)
- Lives tokens (quantity depends on player count)
- Throwing star tokens
- Rulebook
The cards are standard poker size with clear numbering. Tokens are sturdy and easy to handle. The box fits neatly on shelves and the components are durable for repeated plays.
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Encourages team cooperation and silent communication
- Quick setup and fast rounds
- Low complexity, easy to teach
- High replayability with increasing difficulty
- Works well for families and casual players
- Cons:
- Limited player interaction beyond intuition
- May feel repetitive after multiple plays
- Not ideal for competitive gamers seeking direct conflict
- Relies heavily on luck with small player counts
How to Play The Mind Card Game
Setup
Shuffle the deck and deal cards according to the level. Level 1 gives one card per player, level 2 gives two cards, and so on. Place lives and throwing stars in the center according to player count.
Gameplay Flow
Players remain silent throughout the round. Each player monitors their own cards and the timing of play. Cards are played into a central discard pile in ascending order. If a card is played out of order, the team loses a life. Players can use a throwing star to discard their lowest cards face up, revealing information to the team.
Advancing Levels
Complete all cards in a level to move to the next. Levels gradually increase in difficulty with more cards dealt per player. Losing all lives ends the game. The goal is to finish the highest level possible.
Where to Buy The Mind Card Game
| Platform | Price |
|---|---|
| Amazon | $14.95 |
| BoardGameBliss | Varies |
| Philibert | Varies |
| Noble Knight Games | Varies |
The Mind Card Game Mechanics
The Mind features cooperative play with strict communication limits. The core mechanic is hand management, where players decide the timing of card plays based on intuition. Each turn is influenced by risk management and timing, creating tension even with simple rules. Using throwing stars adds a strategic layer by revealing card information to reduce uncertainty.
Who Should Play The Mind Card Game
The Mind suits casual players, families, and cooperative game enthusiasts. It is best for groups of 3–4, where intuition and shared focus are more reliable. Solo or two-player games are possible but less dynamic. Fans of games like Splendor or Hanabi may appreciate the silent teamwork challenge.
FAQ
Is The Mind good for beginners?
Yes. The rules are simple, and the cooperative gameplay helps beginners learn strategy without complex mechanics.
How long does The Mind take to play?
Typical games last around 20 minutes, though completing higher levels may extend playtime slightly.
What’s the best player count for The Mind?
Three to four players is ideal. More players increase tension and strategy, while two players rely mostly on luck and timing.
Is The Mind worth buying?
If you enjoy cooperative, low-complexity games with a focus on intuition, The Mind offers an engaging experience with short, repeatable rounds.
What games are similar to The Mind?
Games like Hanabi, The Crew, and The Game offer cooperative card challenges with limited communication and strategic teamwork.
