THE PLAYBOOK · 373GS
How to play Minesweeper
Bring your attention to one round 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. Look at what changes after your first action. Identify the playing area and the controls you need. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.
A useful comparison
Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board. Make the next step deliberately.
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. Check the rules when you are unsure.
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. Return to the rules if the result is unexpected.
A useful example
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. Notice the change in the playing area.
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. Read one step at a time and try it on the playing area. Match the instruction to the control you use.
Common questions
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.
On this playing page, how do I control Minesweeper?
For clarity: 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?
For clarity: 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 reading the Guide, 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.
When I return, what format does Minesweeper offer?
For clarity: Play using the solo mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
Which play mode does Minesweeper use?
The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.