THE PLAYBOOK · DJCFW
Learn the rules of 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. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions. Keep the instructions close while learning this activity. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.
Something to practise
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. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. Follow this game’s rules rather than another version’s.
The playing sequence
- 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. Read a button’s label before selecting it. Avoid pressing the same control repeatedly while a move is being processed.
A useful example
A revealed 1 means exactly one neighbouring square contains a mine. The clue counts diagonal neighbours as well as the squares directly beside it. Use the example as a guide rather than a substitute for reading your board. Keep the controls nearby.
One detail worth checking
A flag is your own note, not a confirmation from the game. Remove a mistaken flag before opening that square. Check the rule before repeating the action. Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board.
Game-specific help
As a new player, what is the goal 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.
As a new player, how do I control Minesweeper?
The key detail is this: Click/tap to open. Right-click to flag, or use the Flag mode toggle for touch devices.
While learning, 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?
Keep this in mind: 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?
Keep this in mind: Play using the solo mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
As a new player, which play mode does Minesweeper use?
Here is the relevant explanation: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.