How to Play Minesweeper

THE PLAYBOOK · XIQIGLASS

Find your footing in Minesweeper

Use a short break to learn the rhythm 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. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move. Begin with the solo mode shown on the page. Use the example below to understand a decision.

Something to practise

Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal. Use the example to check your reasoning.

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. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Review the board or playing area as it changes.

From the start of a round

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. Read a button’s label before selecting it. Look at the feedback after the action.

See how the rules apply

A revealed 1 means exactly one neighbouring square contains a mine. The clue counts diagonal neighbours as well as the squares directly beside it. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Verify the rule before continuing.

One detail worth checking

A flag is your own note, not a confirmation from the game. Remove a mistaken flag before opening that square. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.

Answers about the rules and controls