Minesweeper

THE PLAYBOOK · ZZBSDZ

Making your first moves in Minesweeper

Start Minesweeper by looking at the playing area and its controls. Open all 71 safe cells. Opening a mine ends the round. Flags help you mark suspected mines but do not replace opening safe cells. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions. Begin with the solo mode shown on the page. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.

Try a more deliberate round

Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow. Keep the objective visible.

The purpose of your moves

Open all 71 safe cells. Opening a mine ends the round. Flags help you mark suspected mines but do not replace opening safe cells. An attractive position is not enough unless the goal is met. Check the rules when you are unsure.

Making your moves

1. Open a covered square to reveal it.
2. A number counts mines in the surrounding eight positions.
3. Right-click to flag on a computer, or enable Flag mode on a phone.
4. Use safe deductions to open the remaining cells.

Input guidance

Click/tap to open. Right-click to flag, or use the Flag mode toggle for touch devices. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Look at the feedback after the action.

See how the rules apply

A revealed 1 means exactly one neighbouring square contains a mine. The clue counts diagonal neighbours as well as the squares directly beside it. Use the example as a guide rather than a substitute for reading your board. Verify the rule before continuing.

A useful caution

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. Watch the feedback after an action. A message can explain whether the input was accepted or whether a rule needs attention.

Questions about this game