Game guide · FJZHENSEN
A practical guide to Minesweeper
Minesweeper gives you a focused activity to play in your browser. 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. Make your first input carefully and watch the result. Use the example below to understand a decision.
Build familiarity through play
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. Use the example to check your reasoning.
What you need to achieve
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.
Start here and follow along
- 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. Use the control method described here for this activity. Avoid pressing the same control repeatedly while a move is being processed.
One way to understand the rules
A revealed 1 with only one covered neighbour means that neighbour contains a mine. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Consider the next action carefully.
One detail worth checking
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. Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow.
Questions that come up during play
For a quick reminder, what is the goal of Minesweeper?
Here is the relevant explanation: Open all 71 safe cells. Opening a mine ends the round. Flags help you mark suspected mines but do not replace opening safe cells.
For my first round, how do I control Minesweeper?
For clarity: Click/tap to open. Right-click to flag, or use the Flag mode toggle for touch devices.
What example helps explain Minesweeper?
The key detail is this: A revealed 1 with only one covered neighbour means that neighbour contains a mine.
What should I watch out for in Minesweeper?
Here is the relevant explanation: 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?
Here is the relevant explanation: 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?
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.
As a new player, where should I start with Minesweeper?
Here is the relevant explanation: Open a covered square to reveal it.
While reading the Guide, do I need an account or a payment for Minesweeper?
For clarity: No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.
On this playing page, how can I find Minesweeper again?
Keep this in mind: Use the Games list or save this game page in your browser bookmarks. The Guide is linked from the playing page.
When I return, how do I report an issue with Minesweeper?
Here is the relevant explanation: 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.