THE PLAYBOOK · ZZFYYD
Rules, controls and help for Minesweeper
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. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move. Make your first input carefully and watch the result. Use the example below to understand a decision.
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.
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. An attractive position is not enough unless the goal is met. 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.
Using the playing area
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.
Put the rules into context
A revealed 1 with only one covered neighbour means that neighbour contains a mine. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Verify the rule before continuing.
An important reminder
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. Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow.
If you are unsure
What is the goal of Minesweeper?
Here is the relevant explanation: Open all 71 safe cells. Opening a mine ends the round. Flags help you mark suspected mines but do not replace opening safe cells.
How do I control Minesweeper?
Here is the relevant explanation: Click/tap to open. Right-click to flag, or use the Flag mode toggle for touch devices.
As a new player, what example helps explain Minesweeper?
The key detail is this: A revealed 1 means exactly one neighbouring square contains a mine. The clue counts diagonal neighbours as well as the squares directly beside it.
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.
Before I begin, 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.
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.
