/pic7632081.jpg)
Exceptional consensus · 3 organizations
MicroMacro: Crime City
Best for: Detective fans, casual groups, families with older kids
Spiel des JahresAs d'OrGolden Geek
1–420mLight
Check price →/pic6883492.png)
Highly awarded · 2 organizationsSee buying options →
Turing Machine
Fabien Gridel, Yoann Levet · Scorpion Masqué · 2022
A deduction game where you query a physical punch-card verification system to crack a secret code. Each card-checker validates one specific criterion — test your hypothesis against the right checker to narrow possibilities. Analog computation as a puzzle mechanic.
Players
1–4
Time
20 min
Ages
14+
Difficulty
Medium
Why you'll like it
- The physical verification system is ingeniously designed
- Pure deduction with zero luck
- Each puzzle has a unique solution
- Competitive deduction races are tense
- Multiple difficulty levels provide progression
How it plays
Turing Machine is a logic deduction game that uses a clever punch-card computer. A secret three-digit code is hidden, and several verifier cards each check one hidden rule about it.
Players test guesses by stacking punch cards over a verifier to read a yes or no. The first player to work out the code using the fewest tests wins. The game includes thousands of puzzles and works great solo.
May not be for you if…
- The concept takes a game to fully grasp
- Very cerebral — not for everyone
- Limited theme — it's a pure logic puzzle
- Two-player races can feel isolating
Best for
Logic puzzle fansdeduction loversmath enthusiasts
Awards
- 2023ATTACasual
- 2022Golden GeekBest Solo Game
Where to buy
- AmazonCheck price →
We may earn a commission through retailer links. This doesn't affect our recommendations.
Common questions
How long does Turing Machine take?
About 20 minutes once everyone knows the rules.
How many people can play Turing Machine?
It plays 1 to 4 players, including a solo mode.
What age is Turing Machine for?
The publisher recommends ages 14 and up.
If you like Turing Machine, try
/pic3759421.jpg)
Decrypto
Best for: Party gamers, word game fans, Codenames graduates
3–830mLight
Check price →/pic3979766.png)
Highly awarded
The Mind
Best for: Experiential game fans, groups open to unusual games
As d'OrGolden GeekSpiel des Jahres
2–420mLight
Check price →/pic5687013.jpg)
Exceptional consensus · 5 organizations
The Crew: Quest for Planet Nine
Best for: Trick-taking fans, cooperative gamers, travel gaming
As d'OrATTAKennerspiel des Jahres
2–520mMedium
Check price →