THE PLAYBOOK · 06HC
Getting started with Minesweeper
Minesweeper gives you a focused activity to play in your browser. Open all 71 safe cells. Opening a mine ends the round. Flags help you mark suspected mines but do not replace opening safe cells. Look at what changes after your first action. Choose a comfortable screen position before beginning. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.
One thing to notice as you play
Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow. Notice the feedback after each input.
The goal to keep in mind
Open all 71 safe cells. Opening a mine ends the round. Flags help you mark suspected mines but do not replace opening safe cells. Read that aim before choosing your first action. Review the board or playing area as it changes.
The steps to play
- Open a covered square to reveal it.
- A number counts mines in the surrounding eight positions.
- Right-click to flag on a computer, or enable Flag mode on a phone.
- Use safe deductions to open the remaining cells.
How your actions work
Click/tap to open. Right-click to flag, or use the Flag mode toggle for touch devices. Keep the playing area visible while using these controls. Make sure you are interacting with the game rather than the surrounding page.
Try this example
A revealed 1 means exactly one neighbouring square contains a mine. The clue counts diagonal neighbours as well as the squares directly beside it. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Keep the game’s format in mind.
A mistake to avoid
A flag is your own note, not a confirmation from the game. Remove a mistaken flag before opening that square. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again.
Further help with the game
For a quick reminder, what is the goal of Minesweeper?
The key detail is this: Open all 71 safe cells. Opening a mine ends the round. Flags help you mark suspected mines but do not replace opening safe cells.
Before I begin, how do I control Minesweeper?
The key detail is this: Click/tap to open. Right-click to flag, or use the Flag mode toggle for touch devices.
Before I begin, what example helps explain Minesweeper?
Keep this in mind: A revealed 1 with only one covered neighbour means that neighbour contains a mine.
When I return, what should I watch out for in Minesweeper?
A flag is your own note, not a confirmation from the game. Remove a mistaken flag before opening that square.
On this playing page, what format does Minesweeper offer?
Here is the relevant explanation: Play using the solo mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
On this playing page, which play mode does Minesweeper use?
Here is the relevant explanation: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.