Mental Blocks Game Rules

Welcome to the exciting world of Mental Blocks, a game designed to test your spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills! In this guide, I will walk you through the essential rules and strategies you need to know to master this challenging game.

Goal of the Game

The goal of Mental Blocks is simple: work together with your team to reconstruct the structure shown on the challenge card using the provided puzzle pieces. Sounds easy, right? Well, there’s a twist. Each player can only see certain sides of the structure, creating a mental block. You must communicate with your team and combine your knowledge to solve the puzzle within the time limit.

Setup

To get started, divide the players into two teams. Each team should sit on opposite sides of the table, facing each other. Place the challenge cards in the middle of the table and shuffle the puzzle pieces. Each player will receive a player screen, which they will use to block their view of certain sides of the structure.

Gameplay

The game is played in rounds, with each round consisting of a new challenge card. To begin, one player from each team will be the designated “Master Builder” for that round. The Master Builder will be the only player who can see the full challenge card and has access to the puzzle pieces. Their job is to guide their team in reconstructing the structure.

The Master Builder will first study the challenge card in secret and gather the necessary puzzle pieces. They will then place the puzzle pieces on their side of the table according to their understanding of the structure. The other players on the team will communicate with the Master Builder to gather information about the structure.

During the round, players can ask questions and give instructions to the Master Builder, who can only respond with “yes,” “no,” or “I don’t know.” The Master Builder cannot directly tell the other players which puzzle pieces to use or where to place them. It’s a challenging task of communication and deduction to solve the puzzle together.

Scoring

After the team feels confident in their solution, they will announce that they are ready. The opposing team will then inspect their structure to see if it matches the challenge card. If the structure is correct, the team earns points based on the difficulty of the challenge card. If the structure is incorrect, play passes to the other team, and they can attempt to solve the puzzle for a chance to steal the points.

The game continues with new rounds, and the team with the highest score at the end is declared the winner.

Conclusion

Mental Blocks is an exciting game that will test your communication and problem-solving skills. Remember to work together with your team, use your mental blocks as a challenge, and enjoy the rewarding feeling of solving each puzzle. Are you ready to take on the mental challenge? Let the game begin!

Hey there! Have you heard of Mental Blocks? It’s a super cool game where we all work together to beat the clock and build a shape. The twist? We can’t see each other’s cards!

Now, here’s the challenge: we might have some restrictions on what we can touch, how we can interact with the blocks and each other, and even what perspectives we can see. It’s a real brain teaser that tests our teamwork, clever thinking, and problem-solving skills.

But wait, there’s more! If you’re up for an even bigger challenge, we can play with the Hidden Traitor Variant. That means one of our teammates will secretly be trying to run down the clock without getting caught. Talk about tension!

Hey there! Let me tell you about Mental Blocks. It’s a really cool game with 60 puzzles of different difficulties. You can play each puzzle with friends, either as a team or with a hidden traitor thrown into the mix to make things even more exciting!

What’s in the Box?

• 270 Double-sided Perspective Cards
• 24 Foam Blocks
• 9 Restriction Cards
• 9 Card Sleeves
• 5 Major Glitch Cards
• 4 Minor Glitch Cards
• Rulebook

Understanding the Cards

Let’s Talk About Perspective

In this game called Mental Blocks, we are given a deck of cards known as Perspective Cards. These cards play a crucial role in the game, as they give each player their very own way of seeing the puzzle they need to solve.

Now, what’s interesting about these cards is that they are double-sided. This means that on one side, you may have a card that shows a certain puzzle, let’s say Family Puzzle 01. But, if you flip that card over, the other side will reveal a different puzzle called Challenge Puzzle 01. It’s like having two sides of the same coin, always presenting you with a fresh perspective to consider.

Hey there! I’ve added a little flair to the text for you. Just so you know, the Family Icon in the lower left corner and the top green border show that you’re on the Family side. These puzzles are easier than the challenge side ones, so you’ll have a blast completing them!

See that icon in the corner down there? Yeah, the one with the word “Challenge” on it? That means we’re about to tackle some serious brain-bending stuff. These puzzles are a step up from the ones you’re used to, so get ready to put your thinking cap on.

Hey there! Right down in the corner, you’ll find the Puzzle Numbers. This one is called Family Puzzle 01, Card A. If you see any card labeled F01, you’ll know it belongs to the same puzzle. There will be 9 cards in each puzzle, labeled A through I.

I am excited to tell you about the fascinating world of puzzles! They come in all shapes and sizes, and they offer a unique and fun challenge. Let me show you how to navigate this puzzle universe.

First, let’s talk about the difficulty levels of puzzles. Each puzzle is assigned a rating of 1 to 6 stars. This rating indicates the level of difficulty, with 1-star puzzles being the easiest and 6-star puzzles being the most difficult. So, if you’re just getting started, you might want to try your hand at a 1-star puzzle.

When you dive into the world of puzzles, you’ll notice that there are endless options to choose from. You can find puzzles of different themes, like animals, landscapes, or famous works of art. There are also puzzles with different piece counts, ranging from just a few pieces to hundreds or even thousands. You can pick the puzzle that speaks to you and matches your interests.

Solving a puzzle is like embarking on a thrilling journey. You start with a pile of jumbled pieces that seem impossible to put together. But with patience, focus, and a keen eye for details, you’ll slowly see the image come together. It’s a magical feeling when you find the perfect match and a piece fits snugly into place.

Puzzles not only provide entertainment and a challenge, but they also offer numerous cognitive benefits. As you work on a puzzle, you sharpen your problem-solving skills, improve your memory and concentration, and enhance your spatial awareness. It’s a wonderful way to keep your mind sharp while having fun.

So, whether you’re a puzzle enthusiast or a newbie looking to try something new, I encourage you to explore the world of puzzles. Start with a 1-star puzzle and work your way up as you gain confidence and experience. Get ready to embark on a delightful journey of twists, turns, and satisfying triumphs. Happy puzzling!

When you play the game, you have to use all the Required cards. The Optional cards can be used for more players. You can tell if a card is Required or Optional by looking at the icons in the bottom left corner. A Required card has a checkmark icon, while an Optional card has a dashed circle icon.

When you come across Perspective cards with the Any Side Up icon, things can get a little tricky. This icon indicates that you’ll be facing an extra challenge because you won’t know which way is up or down, left or right for the puzzle. It’s like a secret code that adds an extra layer of complexity to your solving experience. It can be a bit perplexing, but also lots of fun!

Hey there! I’ve got some cool info for you about the “I” puzzle cards. These cards have a special icon called “Squared Triangles” that reminds players of the Squared Triangles rule. You can find more details about this rule in the side bar. So, when you’re playing with the “I” puzzle cards, keep an eye out for that icon!

When you see the green Good Builder icon in the top left corner, it means you’re on the team that’s working together to solve the puzzle before the time runs out.

In the Puzzle Set, there’s a red Traitor icon at the top right of the “I” card. If we play the Hidden Traitor Variant, the Traitor will use it. Otherwise, if we play fully cooperatively, it will serve as the answer key card.

The Traitor card, located in the middle, shows two isometric, full-color side views of the puzzle. This card serves a dual purpose: it acts as the answer key and provides information for the Traitor to use.

Understanding the Perspectives

When you look at a Perspective card, there are two types you need to know about. Let’s dive in and explore each one.

The first type is the full-color, 2-dimensional view. This card shows you what one side of the shape should look like when it’s complete. You can see all the blocks and their colors clearly. It’s like looking at a picture of the final result.

The second type is the grayscale, isometric view. This card gives you a different perspective. It shows the shape from an angle, so you can see how the blocks fit together in three dimensions. But there are no lines that separate the individual blocks, which can make it a bit more challenging to figure out the exact configuration.

It’s important to note that both types of perspectives always show a side view of the shape. You won’t find any top-down or bottom-up views here. Keeping this in mind will help you better understand and interpret the cards.

So, whether you’re looking at a colorful flat view or a grayscale isometric view, each Perspective card offers valuable clues to help you build the shape. By following the instructions on the card and using your creativity, you’ll be well on your way to accomplishing your goal!

Example: When I look at the puzzle, I see the Perspective card on the left.

I know that once the puzzle is finished, from my point of view, there will be a blue block above the yellow one. But I’m not sure if the blue block is a square on top of the yellow block, or if it’s actually a tall blue block placed further back, with only the bottom half visible behind the yellow block.

Now, let’s talk about Nathan. He has the Perspective card on the right. He knows that the completed structure will have two levels, and it will seem like there are two small squares on top of blocks in the base.

However, he is unsure if these square shapes are just squares sitting on other blocks, or if they are actually tall blocks.

The arrangement of the blocks in the picture represents the real position from the player’s viewpoint. In order to win, the final structure built must match each player’s Perspective exactly.

Restriction Cards

Hey there! Let’s talk about something cool—restriction cards. I’ll break it down for you, so don’t worry, it’s not as complex as it sounds.

When I say “restriction cards,” I’m referring to the bits of code that people have developed for websites to restrict certain actions or behaviors. I know, it may seem a bit perplexing, but bear with me, and I’ll explain it in a way that will make sense.

You see, restriction cards come into play when someone is browsing a website or using a web application. Have you ever noticed how sometimes you can’t click on a button, even though it’s right there? Well, that’s where restriction cards step in. They prevent you from doing something that’s not allowed on the website.

These restriction cards are designed to keep everything in order and maintain the integrity of the website. They ensure that users can only perform legal and desirable actions. Kind of like a virtual bouncer, making sure everyone follows the rules!

But how do they work, you may ask? Well, it’s simple. These cards are coded using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They act as a gatekeeper for the website, deciding who gets in and what they can do once they’re in. Impressive, right?

So, let’s say you want to buy something from an online store. The restriction cards will make sure you can only add items to your cart, proceed to checkout, and make a purchase. They won’t let you tamper with the website’s code or perform any malicious actions. Keep those bad intentions at bay!

Now, it’s important to mention that restriction cards can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, they protect you and the website from harm. But on the other hand, they can sometimes be a bit restrictive, limiting what you can do.

But hey, all in all, restriction cards play a vital role in the web development world. They ensure websites run smoothly, protect user information, and keep everything in order. So next time you encounter a restriction card, remember that it’s working hard to make your browsing experience safe and enjoyable.

P.S. If you’re interested in web development, you might find restriction cards fascinating. Trust me, they’re just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the exciting world of coding. So buckle up, my friend, and get ready for an incredible journey into the realm of web development!

These cards have a unique challenge for you. Keep in mind that the challenge only applies to you, not to everyone at the table.

Get to Know Major and Minor Glitch Cards

Ah, the world of glitch cards. These little guys are both fascinating and perplexing. Let’s dive in and explore the curious world of major and minor glitch cards, shall we?

First, you might be asking yourself, “What exactly is a glitch card?” Well, my friend, it’s essentially a card that has undergone some sort of digital hiccup. You see, glitches are those unexpected blips in the system that can cause all sorts of quirky and unpredictable behavior. And when it comes to trading cards, glitches can create some truly unique and valuable pieces.

Now, let’s talk about major glitch cards. These are the big ones, the ones that really make you scratch your head in wonder. Major glitch cards are the result of a significant and noticeable error in the card’s design or printing process. It’s like finding a hidden gem in a sea of perfection.

On the other hand, we have minor glitch cards. They’re like the little siblings of major glitches. While not as flashy or attention-grabbing, minor glitches still have their own charm. They often feature subtle imperfections or misprints that give them a distinctive character. Think of them as the quirks and quirks that make a card truly one-of-a-kind.

So, why are glitch cards so sought after? Well, my friend, it’s all about the thrill of the chase. Finding a glitch card is like stumbling upon a secret treasure. They are rare, unexpected, and elusive, making them highly desirable to collectors and enthusiasts alike.

But here’s the thing, my eager explorer: not all glitch cards are created equal. Some may be more valuable than others, depending on the type and rarity of the glitch. It’s important to do your research and carefully assess the market value before diving headfirst into the world of glitch card hunting.

So, whether you’re a seasoned glitch card aficionado or a curious novice, the world of major and minor glitch cards is waiting to be discovered. Who knows what hidden wonders you’ll uncover along the way? Happy hunting, my friend!

Hey there! Let’s talk about these cards that make the expert and genius levels even more challenging.

So, here’s the deal: the Glitch Card that’s shown on the table is like a rule that everyone, including the Traitor (if they’re playing with the Hidden Traitor Variant), has to follow.

Getting Started

Step 1: Choose the puzzle

Here are a couple of ways to do that:

• You can play through the Puzzles one after another, like a campaign. Start with Family 01 and go all the way to Family 30. Then, flip them over and tackle Challenge 01 to Challenge 30. And if you want to keep going, just crank up the difficulty and introduce glitch cards to replay old puzzles!
• If you prefer some randomness, you can pick a Puzzle based on its difficulty rating. A 1-star Puzzle is the easiest, while a 6-star Puzzle offers the ultimate test.

Step 2: Get the puzzle cards

So, you’ve picked a Puzzle that you’re excited to play. Great choice! Now, let’s get started. Grab all the cards that have the same Puzzle Number from the deck. Make sure the play side is facing down, so you can’t see it. Instead, you’ll be looking at the opposite side of the cards.

Let me explain with an example. Say you want to play Family Puzzle 01. In this case, you’ll need to flip the cards so that the green side is facing down. Now, you’ll be able to see the red side, which displays Challenge Puzzle 01.

Remember: You should never look at the cards of the Puzzle you want to play. To help with set up, use the Puzzle Number, Required Card, and Optional Card icons on the back of the cards.

Next Step: Build the Deck

1. First, gather all the cards labeled “required” and put them in one pile.

Me and my five friends decided to challenge ourselves with Family Puzzle 02. We wanted to play at the Expert difficulty level without a Traitor. To set up the game, I took out all the C02 Puzzle Number cards, A-I, from the deck. Then, I placed them green side-down on the table. The icons on the red side would help us during setup.

To make sure we don’t have a Traitor in our game, I removed the Traitor Card from the deck and set it aside. We wouldn’t be using it unless we played with the optional hidden traitor variant. However, we still needed it as the Puzzle answer key. It was crucial that we never turned it face-up while playing. Then, I took out Puzzle Number card C02-I, making sure not to peek at the green side, and placed it green side-down next to the play area.

First, put each of the Required cards into the sleeves. Make sure you line up the cards so that you can see the puzzle you want to play through the sleeve.

Next, use the icons on the Challenge (Red) side of the Perspective Cards to decide which cards are required. Take all four of those cards and put them in the sleeves, making sure the green (Family) puzzle can be seen. Be careful not to look at the cards. Once they’re in the sleeves, place the stack face-down next to the play area.

If you’re playing with 5 or more players, you’ll need to include all the Optional cards in a separate deck. If there are fewer players, you can put the Optional cards away for this game.

a. Hidden Traitor Variant: For those of you who want an extra challenge, you can introduce a Traitor to the game. To do this, place the Traitor card in a sleeve and add it to the Optional card deck.

Note: We suggest playing a few games with everyone working together before trying the Hidden Traitor Variant. If you have 9 players, you have to play with the Hidden Traitor Variant.

When I have 6 players in my game, I make the Optional card deck just like I made the Required card deck. If we decide not to play with the Hidden Traitor, we keep the Traitor card face-down on the table as the answer key for the end of the game Puzzle.

So here’s what I do: I draw 2 Optional cards because we have 6 players on the team. Then I add those cards to the Required cards deck. Any unused Optional cards go back in the box.

Step 4: Make it Challenging

Now it’s time to make things interesting! You can customize the difficulty level of the game to suit your skills and experience. Just follow these steps to set it up.