THE PLAYBOOK · MU6006
Learn the rules of Minesweeper
Choose a round of Minesweeper and settle into its rules. Open all 71 safe cells. Opening a mine ends the round. Flags help you mark suspected mines but do not replace opening safe cells. Use the example below to understand a decision. Compare the starting position with the example in the Guide. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.
A focus for your next round
Take enough time to read a new position. If a game has a timer, learn its controls first rather than searching for them during the round. Use the example to check your reasoning.
Your goal
Open all 71 safe cells. Opening a mine ends the round. Flags help you mark suspected mines but do not replace opening safe cells. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. Notice how the game responds to your input.
Work through the instructions
- 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. A careful first action helps you become familiar with the layout. Use one clear input at a time.
See the idea in action
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. Check the stated objective.
Where a round can go wrong
A flag is your own note, not a confirmation from the game. Remove a mistaken flag before opening that square. A different version of the game may use a different rule. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.
Game-specific help
While reading the Guide, what is the goal of Minesweeper?
Open all 71 safe cells. Opening a mine ends the round. Flags help you mark suspected mines but do not replace opening safe cells.
When I return, how do I control Minesweeper?
For clarity: Click/tap to open. Right-click to flag, or use the Flag mode toggle for touch devices.
While learning, what example helps explain Minesweeper?
Keep this in mind: A revealed 1 means exactly one neighbouring square contains a mine. The clue counts diagonal neighbours as well as the squares directly beside it.
While reading the Guide, what should I watch out for in Minesweeper?
For clarity: A flag is your own note, not a confirmation from the game. Remove a mistaken flag before opening that square.
For this browser game, what format does Minesweeper offer?
Keep this in mind: Play using the solo mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
Before I begin, which play mode does Minesweeper use?
The key detail is this: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
