Game guide · 05MC
The essentials of playing 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. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Make your first input carefully and watch the result. Use the example below to understand a decision.
Something to practise
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. Notice the feedback after each input.
Aim for this result
Open all 71 safe cells. Opening a mine ends the round. Flags help you mark suspected mines but do not replace opening safe cells. An attractive position is not enough unless the goal is met. The example below illustrates a decision.
From the start of a round
- 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.
Using the playing area
Click/tap to open. Right-click to flag, or use the Flag mode toggle for touch devices. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Check any mode label before starting.
Learn from a sample situation
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. Consider the next action carefully.
Keep this in mind
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. 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.
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.
While reading the Guide, how do I control Minesweeper?
Here is the relevant explanation: Click/tap to open. Right-click to flag, or use the Flag mode toggle for touch devices.
Before I begin, what example helps explain Minesweeper?
Keep this in mind: A revealed 1 with only one covered neighbour means that neighbour contains a mine.
While reading the Guide, 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.
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?
The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
While learning, where should I start with Minesweeper?
Open a covered square to reveal it.
While reading the Guide, do I need an account or a payment for Minesweeper?
The key detail is this: No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.
For my first round, how can I find Minesweeper again?
Here is the relevant explanation: Use the Games list or save this game page in your browser bookmarks. The Guide is linked from the playing page.
For this browser game, how do I report an issue with Minesweeper?
The key detail is this: 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.
