MindTrap

Two teams race along a paper track by solving logic riddles, sticks and tangram puzzles.

Designer: Richard Fast
Published by: Great American Puzzle Factory
Editions by: Schmidt Spiele, Mattel, Inc., Pressman Toy Corp., Spear's Games, Paul Lamond Games Ltd, Outset Media, Ventura Games, MindTrap Games, Inc.

MindTrap is a 1991 riddle game for two teams, with a board that is really a paper pad with a racing track printed on it. Each team gets logic puzzles and moves; when a team comes up with the right solution, it can move one step and ask for another question, or roll a die (0 to 3) and hand the turn to the other team. The box holds 406 riddle cards, two pawns, two sets of plastic sticks (18 each), two sets of tangram shapes (7 each), a card holder and one die. Some puzzles you solve in your head, some with sticks and shapes in your hands. It is a game for people who like being stumped together, and who can live with groans at obvious answers.

406 riddle cardsPlastic sticks and tangram shapes for hands-on puzzlesChoose a step plus another question or roll the die

Who it's for

You like riddles and lateral thinking with a team, and you have six or so people who enjoy being stumped.

Not for you if…

You hate riddles that hinge on a trick. Someone will always shout that it's unfair.

Vibe's take

Chatty, competitive and full of groans. The room goes quiet while teams think, then erupts when someone cracks it.