mind game(noun)

any game designed to exercise the intellect

mind game(noun)

deliberate actions of calculated psychological manipulation intended to intimidate or confuse (usually for competitive advantage)

"football players try to play mind games with the opposition"; "the jeweler's mind game is to convince lovers that the size of a gemstone reflects the depth of their feelings"

mind game(Noun)

An attempt at psychological manipulation against someone, in order to confuse them.