MIND GAMES 2023 Extrait

U £££££ Statement

Gambit

by Carlos Viñals

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MIND GAMES Gambit is an Extrait de Parfum launched in 2023, created by Carlos Viñals. Gambit opens with Petitgrain, Lavender, and Clove, settles into a heart of Geranium, Mimosa, and Cardamom, and dries down to a base of Sandalwood, Patchouli, and Ambrostar. MIND GAMES's Gambit carries a Statement verdict, a woody-led wear.

Gambit is a divisive beast, simultaneously hailed as a modern masterpiece and dismissed as overpriced shower gel. If you like your fresh scents with a potent, earthy kick, this might be your signature, otherwise, proceed with caution.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Confident
  • Bold
  • Sophisticated
  • Masculine
  • Modern
$395.00 at Intense Oud 3.4 fl oz (100 ml) · plus sales tax Check price on → Check prices ↓
Gambit Extrait bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend

Top, heart and base are the brand's own listing, not a timing claim - the industry classifies a note by its character as much as by how fast it fades. Each curve here is modelled from that material's own volatility, so groups can overlap when a house lists long-lasting materials in its heart.

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Performance & Mood

Performance

Longevity
Long (6-10h)
Projection
Strong
Intensity
Strong

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Spring Fall Winter
Also Works:
Summer

Versatile across every season - no clear seasonal preference from wearers.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Casual
Also Works:
Formal

Its potent projection and long-lasting nature, as noted by many, mean it can be a bit much for a quiet office but perfect for making an impression on a date or during a casual outing. While some find it versatile enough for any occasion, its strong, masculine profile leans more towards evening wear or cooler weather events.

Declarable allergens

We derive these from the materials behind this fragrance's notes, not from the bottle. Each one is likely, not confirmed. The list is partial - the box can name others.

Declarable under EU Annex III

  • Clove Eugenia Caryophyllus Flower Oil from Clove
  • Eugenia Caryophyllus Leaf Oil from Clove
  • Lavender Lavandula Hybrida Oil from Lavender
  • Lavender Lavandula Hybrida Oil from Lavender
  • Lavender Lavandula Hybrida Oil from Lavender
  • Lavender Lavandula Hybrida Oil from Lavender
  • Lavender Lavandula Hybrida Oil from Lavender
  • Lavender Lavandula Hybrida Oil from Lavender
  • Lavender Lavandula Hybrida Oil from Lavender
  • Rose geranium Pelargonium Graveolens Oil from Geranium
  • Rose geranium Pelargonium Graveolens Oil from Geranium
  • Sandalwood Santalol from Sandalwood

The large name is the everyday one. The small name is the INCI form on the box, so you can compare the two. Reactions differ between people. A patch-test panel is not a ranking of risk. How we derive this

About

Gambit opens with a lively, aromatic burst of petitgrain and lavender, brightened by a spicy hint of clove. The heart introduces a sophisticated floral touch from geranium, softened by mimosa, all underscored by the warm, aromatic embrace of cardamom. As it settles, a robust and earthy base emerges, with rich sandalwood and patchouli creating a grounding, masculine finish, amplified by the modern sheen of ambrostar.

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Complement

Two people, two scents: what sits well beside it when you each wear your own See what pairs well

Where to buy

Prices for the United States · · checked 7 October

Prices before sales tax, which the shop adds at checkout.

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Drawn from community reviews and editor-reviewed before publishing on . See our methodology and disclosure policy.