THE PLAYBOOK · CD12372
The Minesweeper playbook
Open Minesweeper, check the instructions and begin a round. 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 example below to understand a decision. Use the opening round to become familiar with the layout. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.
Bring this focus to a round
Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow. Use the example to check your reasoning.
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. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Check the rules when you are unsure.
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.
Input guidance
Click/tap to open. Right-click to flag, or use the Flag mode toggle for touch devices. A careful first action helps you become familiar with the layout. 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. Focus on why the action is allowed, not only its outcome. Look for the relevant detail.
Pay attention to this rule
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. Take enough time to read a new position. If a game has a timer, learn its controls first rather than searching for them during the round.
Further help with the game
On this playing page, 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.
When I return, how do I control Minesweeper?
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?
A flag is your own note, not a confirmation from the game. Remove a mistaken flag before opening that square.
On this playing page, 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.
While reading the Guide, 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.