FAQ for Players

Do I have to be a member of Mensa to register for Mind Games®?
I've never been to Mind Games before. What should I expect?
Should children attend Mind Games?
How can my Local Group host Mind Games?

Do I have to be a member of Mensa to register for Mind Games^®?

It depends on what you want to do at the event. Both active Mensans and guests of Mensans may attend and play. However, please be aware that nonmember guest registrations may be limited, and guests may not participate in the actual judging — after all, we can't let our game manufacturers brag about winning the Mensa Select^® seal if, in fact, the games are not selected by Mensans. If you're not a member or have allowed your membership to lapse, consider joining Mensa or reinstating your membership today!

I've never been to Mind Games before. What should I expect?

First of all, you'd better come ready to play. Each judge is authorized to play each of approximately 30 games to its conclusion at least once between Friday and Sunday morning, and you must complete a comment card — legibly — for each game you play, each time you play it. The comment cards will help you score each game in five categories: aesthetics, originality, play value, play appeal and quality of instructions. If you play your allotted selection of games, you're welcome to play and judge any of the other 20 or more that will be entered in the competition.

When it comes to the Mensa Select voting, you're expected to vote for the games you would buy for yourself or your friends. You're expected to give the judging your best effort but also remember that scoring is not a group effort — and please don't attempt to influence the other judges. We want every judge's unvarnished, unique opinion, and that means yours too!

And finally, although Mind Games is a nationally significant event and your participation is crucial to its success, you're expected to relax and enjoy yourself! After all, if you didn't come to have fun, what's the point?

Should children attend Mind Games?

Mind Games is open to people of all ages, but parents should consider their children's individual maturity level and interest in gaming before making the decision to attend. Attendees are expected to play the games assigned to them and fill out thoughtful comment cards for each game. If your children attend, you'll want to review the games they are playing to make sure the content and difficulty level match their maturity levels.

How can my Local Group host Mind Games?

Submit a bid! Event bid packages are available in mid-summer and are due in late fall. Mind Games usually takes place in late March or April. For more information, email our Marketing Department or call 817/607-0060.