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Break the Code

A number-tile deduction duel where you ask clever questions and work out your opponent's hidden row.

Break the Code (2017) is a deduction duel built from number tiles, question cards and a screen. Each of you hides a row of tiles in ascending order behind your screen, and the table shares a row of face-up question cards. Each turn you pick a question about your opponent's tiles, for example about sums or where certain numbers sit, and the answer narrows down the possibilities. Win by correctly guessing every tile in a two-player game, colors included. With three or four players you race to guess the face-down tiles in the middle instead. Fifteen minutes, minimal setup, and the logic is the whole game. Think Guess Who, but with numbers and a more serious puzzle brain.

Hidden number tiles behind a screenChoose from shared question cardsGuess numbers and colors to win

Who it's for

You like logic puzzles and head-to-head deduction, in particular with a partner who enjoys a quiet, brainy game.

Not for you if…

You want lively table talk or a theme with a story. This is a pure logic game with paper and pencil.

Vibe's take

Quiet, concentrated and sneaky. Every question reveals a little, and the real win is the moment two clues finally click into place.

#2,214 on BGG

of over 30,000 ranked board games

Published 2017 · 9 years ago

older than 54% of games

In 3,685 collections

collected more than 47% of games

2–4 players · ages 10+

Best with 2

about 15 min

shorter than 93% of games · typical 30–90 min

Complexity: light

Explained in 5 minutes · 1.7 out of 5 · lighter than 67%

Opinions: usual spread

A normal range of ratings

Language: some text

Text on cards or in the rules

Play style: competitive

Theme & categories