Mind Up! (2023) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Mind Up! is a card game designed by Maxime Rambourg and published by Catch Up Games in in 2023. It is a game that focuses on hand management and simultaneous action selection, making it a fast-paced and engaging experience for players. The game is suitable for 3 to 6 players, with a recommended age of 8 and above.

Game Components of Mind Up!

Number cards

Scoring Cards

Bonus Cards (optional)

No scoring pad (users need to provide their own)

How To Setup Mind Up!

To set up Mind Up!, start by shuffling the number cards and dealing seven to each player. Each player also receives a set of five Scoring Cards. One player shuffles the Scoring Cards and places them in a row, with all other players matching this configuration. If desired, shuffle the Bonus Cards and reveal up to five, ensuring no two have the same letter on them. This setup is quick and straightforward, making it easy to get the game started.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Strategic Card Play: Players simultaneously reveal and order cards to build their tableau.

Dynamic Game Mechanics: Cards are played face-down, then revealed, and organized from lowest to highest value.

Innovative Card Rotation: Played cards become the new hand for the next round.

Endgame Scoring: Points are scored based on the color and order of the cards in the tableau after three rounds.

Objective: The player with the most points after three rounds wins.

Player Experience

Mind Up offers a fun and fast-paced experience with a mix of strategy, luck, and memory. Players must carefully choose their cards to maximize their score, as the cards they play become the cards they will use in the next round. The game is enjoyable for both kids and adults, with quick rounds that last between 15-20 minutes.

Pros

Fast-Paced Rounds: Quick gameplay that keeps players engaged.

Strategic but Accessible: Easy to learn with a good balance of strategy and luck.

Innovative Mechanics: The card rotation system adds a unique twist to the game.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 8+, making it a great family game.

Portable: Easy to bring along due to its compact nature.

Cons

Lack of Scoring Pad: Players need to provide their own scoring sheet.

Randomness with High Player Counts: The game can feel more random and less predictable with more players.

Short but Repetitive: The need to play three rounds to mitigate randomness can make the game feel a bit longer than necessary.

Personal Thoughts on Mind Up!

Mind Up is a delightful addition to any game collection, especially for those who enjoy quick, strategic card games. It is ideal for families, casual gamers, and anyone looking for a game that can be played in a short amount of time. The game’s innovative mechanics and simultaneous play make it engaging and fun, although it may benefit from a few tweaks, such as the inclusion of a scoring pad. Overall, it’s a great choice for game nights or quick gaming sessions.

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