THE PLAYBOOK · 78JMW
How to play Minesweeper
Read the aim of Minesweeper, then make your first move. 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. Compare the starting position with the example in the Guide. Look at what changes after your first action.
Read before acting
Read one step at a time and try it on the playing area. Match the instruction to the control you use. Refer to the controls when needed.
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. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Start with a deliberate move.
Step by step
- 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.
A useful 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. Focus on why the action is allowed, not only its outcome. Check the stated objective.
Watch out for this
A flag is your own note, not a confirmation from the game. Remove a mistaken flag before opening that square. Compare the situation with the worked example. Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal.
Common questions
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.
While learning, how do I control Minesweeper?
Keep this in mind: Click/tap to open. Right-click to flag, or use the Flag mode toggle for touch devices.
For a quick reminder, what example helps explain Minesweeper?
Here is the relevant explanation: A revealed 1 with only one covered neighbour means that neighbour contains a mine.
For this browser game, 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.
As a new player, what format does Minesweeper offer?
For clarity: Play using the solo mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
For my first round, which play mode does Minesweeper use?
Keep this in mind: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.