HOW TO PLAY

The Black Mind is more than a card game—it’s a guided experience built to spark truth, connection, and collective healing. Whether you're playing with friends, family, clients, or community, every question is designed to go deeper. This step-by-step guide will show you how to create a brave space, choose your gameplay style, and use the cards with intention. Because when we play with care, we don’t just talk—we transform.

Step 1: Choose Your Gameplay Type & Set the Tone

Start by identifying your group’s makeup and choosing your gameplay style:

Single Gender: All players share the same gender identity. Use the question set that matches—or both if agreed.

Multiple Gender: Players answer questions aligned with their gender identity. Nonbinary and gender-expansive players choose freely.

Mixed Race: Center Black experiences. Non-Black players can reflect or join based on group consensus.

Then, set your group’s rhythm:

Decide who goes first and how turns will rotate.

Choose whether everyone answers each question—or if passing is allowed.

Agree on how Impact Cards will be distributed at the end.

Step 2: Set Up Your Cards & Build a Brave Space

Before diving in, create the emotional conditions for honesty and care.

Agreement Cards: Select at least 3 to guide how you'll show up—choose values like vulnerability, respect, or presence.

Group Agreement Cards: Write your own ground rules if your group needs something custom.

Question Cards: Choose a category and agree on how many questions or rounds you’ll play.

Impact Cards: Give 1 to each player.

D.I.G. Cards: Place all 3 in the center—ready for use.

Why it matters: Brave spaces don’t happen by accident—they're built together.

Step 3: Use the Speaker Card

The Speaker Card belongs to the person currently responding.

Hold the card while sharing to signal it’s your uninterrupted time to speak.

Draw a question, read it aloud, and take the first turn to answer—or invite others in.

Pass the Speaker Card when you're done.

Why it matters: Every voice deserves full attention. This card protects that space.

Step 4: Use D.I.G. Cards & Take Turns to Respond

When someone is speaking:

Listeners can raise a D.I.G. Card if they want to ask a follow-up or share a related thought.

Wait until the speaker invites you in—up to 3 D.I.G. Cards can be used per response.

Return all D.I.G. Cards to the center before the next speaker begins.

Take turns drawing and responding until everyone has asked a question. Players can answer or pass, based on the group’s decision in Step 1.

Why it matters: Deep listening invites deeper truth. D.I.G. Cards help us stay curious without interrupting.

Step 5: Share Impact Cards & Declare a Winner

Once every player has taken a turn, the group reaches the Impact Point.

Each player gives their Impact Card to the person whose response moved them most.

Briefly explain why it impacted you—affirmation matters.

The player with the most cards is the round winner.

Want to keep going? Redistribute cards and start another round. Track Impact Cards across games to crown a multi-round winner.

Why it matters: The real win is connection—but honoring impact makes it unforgettable.