The Mind
- Designer Wolfgang Warsch
- Publisher Nürnberger-Spielkarten-Verlag , Arclight Games , Brain Games , Coiledspring Games , DV Games
- Illustration Oliver Freudenreich
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In The Mind, players work together to play cards numbered 1 to 100 in ascending order without talking. Each player receives a hand corresponding to the current level number. Players silently decide when to play their lowest card, trying to complete all levels without losing lives. Shuriken tokens offer ways to reveal cards and gain information.
Who Is This Game For?
The Mind is suitable for players aged 8 and up who enjoy cooperative card games with simple rules. It is a family game with a short playtime of about 20 minutes and requires no prior experience. Great for beginners who appreciate teamwork and nonverbal communication.
How It Works
The core mechanics are Communication Limits, Cooperative Game, and Hand Management. Players cannot communicate and must play their cards in ascending order. Each player plays their lowest card when they feel the timing is right. Using shuriken tokens allows players to discard cards openly and gain clues together.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Wolfgang Warsch, The Mind won the 2018 Golden Geek Best Card Game and Best Cooperative Game awards. Part of the NSV Middys series, it stands out by combining cooperative play with a strict communication ban, differentiating it from other hand management games.
Awards
2018
- 2019 As d’Or — Winner
- 2018 Cardboard Republic Socializer Laurel — Nominated
- 2018 Fairplay À la carte Runner-up — Nominated
Pro
- Short playtime of about 20 minutes
- Cooperative gameplay without verbal communication
- Simple and accessible rules
- Winner of 2018 Golden Geek Best Card Game
Contra
- Only for 2–4 players
- No solo mode available
- Minimal thematic depth
Setting & Atmosphäre
The Mind features an abstract theme focused on player synchronization and teamwork without a concrete setting. It is an experimental card game emphasizing timing and silent coordination.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on timing and closely observe your teammates’ body language to better decide when to play your cards.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, The Mind is designed for 2 to 4 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 20 minutes, making it suitable for quick rounds.
What prior experience do I need?
The Mind is a family game with simple rules, suitable for beginners.
How does this compare to similar games?
Its strict communication ban makes it unique among cooperative hand management games.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, it is suitable for players aged 8 and up and has easy-to-learn rules.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Communication Limits with Cooperative Game and Hand Management creates a unique experience.
Fazit
The Mind is highly recommended for those seeking cooperative games with minimal rules and a strong team feel. It requires players to rely on nonverbal cues and offers quick play sessions.
