THE PLAYBOOK · SXSRCB
How to play Minesweeper
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. Look at what changes after your first action. Check the rule that explains your first action. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.
Review a difficult moment
When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round. Refer to the controls when needed.
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. Read that aim before choosing your first action. Notice how the game responds to your input.
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. A careful first action helps you become familiar with the layout. Contact us with the game and device if a control does not respond.
A useful example
A revealed 1 with only one covered neighbour means that neighbour contains a mine. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Keep the controls nearby.
Watch out for this
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.
Common questions
When I return, what is the goal of Minesweeper?
Keep this in mind: 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?
Keep this in mind: Click/tap to open. Right-click to flag, or use the Flag mode toggle for touch devices.
When I return, 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.
For a quick reminder, what should I watch out for in Minesweeper?
The key detail is this: A flag is your own note, not a confirmation from the game. Remove a mistaken flag before opening that square.
For my first round, what format does Minesweeper offer?
The key detail is this: 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.
