THE PLAYBOOK · 556856
Minesweeper: how a round works
Use a short break to learn the rhythm 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. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Choose a comfortable screen position before beginning. Look at what changes after your first action.
Something to practise
Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart. Use the example to check your reasoning.
Understand the aim
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. Try to explain the aim in your own words.
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.
Controls
Click/tap to open. Right-click to flag, or use the Flag mode toggle for touch devices. Use the control method described here for this activity. Make sure you are interacting with the game rather than the surrounding page.
Work through an 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. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Look for the relevant detail.
Check this before moving on
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.
Helpful answers for players
What is the goal of Minesweeper?
For clarity: 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?
The key detail is this: Click/tap to open. Right-click to flag, or use the Flag mode toggle for touch devices.
While learning, what example helps explain Minesweeper?
Here is the relevant explanation: 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 learning, what should I watch out for in Minesweeper?
Here is the relevant explanation: A flag is your own note, not a confirmation from the game. Remove a mistaken flag before opening that square.
As a new player, what format does Minesweeper offer?
Play using the solo mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
Which play mode does Minesweeper use?
For clarity: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.