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RULES & PRACTICE

How to Play Minesweeper

Play Minesweeper ↗

Game guide · ZHJW-TNY

Rules, controls and help for 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. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Make your first input carefully and watch the result. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.

An idea for your next attempt

Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart. 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. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. Review the board or playing area as it changes.

Making your moves

  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.

Input guidance

Click/tap to open. Right-click to flag, or use the Flag mode toggle for touch devices. Keep the playing area visible while using these controls. A new-round button replaces the current round.

An example to follow

A revealed 1 with only one covered neighbour means that neighbour contains a mine. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Verify the rule before continuing.

Avoid this misunderstanding

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. Keep the stated aim separate from side details such as animation or appearance. Progress is measured by the game’s own completion or scoring rules.

Questions that come up during play

For my first round, 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.

While reading the Guide, how do I control Minesweeper?

For clarity: Click/tap to open. Right-click to flag, or use the Flag mode toggle for touch devices.

For a quick reminder, what example helps explain Minesweeper?

A revealed 1 with only one covered neighbour means that neighbour contains a mine.

When I return, 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.

Before I begin, what format does Minesweeper offer?

Play using the solo mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.

For this browser game, which play mode does Minesweeper use?

For clarity: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.

For a quick reminder, where should I start with Minesweeper?

The key detail is this: Open a covered square to reveal it.

Before I begin, do I need an account or a payment for Minesweeper?

Here is the relevant explanation: No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.

While learning, how can I find Minesweeper again?

The key detail is this: Use the Games list or save this game page in your browser bookmarks. The Guide is linked from the playing page.

On this playing page, how do I report an issue with Minesweeper?

For clarity: Use the contact form and include the game name, browser, device and the actions that led to the issue. Do not send passwords or payment details.

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