THE PLAYBOOK · 09JB
Minesweeper: what to know before playing
Take a moment with Minesweeper before moving to another game. 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. Check the rule that explains your first action. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.
An idea for your next attempt
Keep the stated aim separate from side details such as animation or appearance. Progress is measured by the game’s own completion or scoring rules. Make the next step deliberately.
The challenge in front of you
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.
The order of 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.
Choosing and moving on screen
Click/tap to open. Right-click to flag, or use the Flag mode toggle for touch devices. Read a button’s label before selecting it. Avoid pressing the same control repeatedly while a move is being processed.
An example before you play
A revealed 1 with only one covered neighbour means that neighbour contains a mine. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Keep the game’s format in mind.
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. After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again.
Clarifying the way this game works
As a new player, 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.
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.
For this browser game, what example helps explain Minesweeper?
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?
Keep this in mind: A flag is your own note, not a confirmation from the game. Remove a mistaken flag before opening that square.
For a quick reminder, what format does Minesweeper offer?
Play using the solo mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
For a quick reminder, 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.