How to Play Minesweeper

THE PLAYBOOK · TCJSJT

How to play Minesweeper

Start Minesweeper by looking at the playing area and its controls. 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. Identify the playing area and the controls you need. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move.

A careful first round

Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal. Keep the objective visible.

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

1. Open a covered square to reveal it.
2. A number counts mines in the surrounding eight positions.
3. Right-click to flag on a computer, or enable Flag mode on a phone.
4. 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. Avoid pressing the same control repeatedly while a move is being processed.

A useful example

A revealed 1 with only one covered neighbour means that neighbour contains a mine. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. 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. A different version of the game may use a different rule. Watch the feedback after an action. A message can explain whether the input was accepted or whether a rule needs attention.

Common questions