How to Play Minesweeper
A comprehensive guide to understanding and mastering the classic puzzle game
Game Objective
Minesweeper is a single-player puzzle game where the objective is to clear a rectangular board containing hidden mines without detonating any of them. You win by revealing all safe squares without clicking on any mines.
Basic Rules
- The game board consists of a grid of squares, some of which contain mines.
- When you click on a square, it reveals what's underneath.
- If you click on a mine, you lose the game.
- If you click on a safe square, it will show a number indicating how many mines are in the adjacent squares.
- If a revealed square has no adjacent mines, it will automatically reveal all adjacent squares.
- You can right-click on a square to place a flag, marking it as a potential mine.
- The game is won when all safe squares are revealed and all mines are correctly flagged.
Controls
Desktop Controls
- Left Click: Reveal a square
- Right Click: Place/remove a flag
- Middle Click (or Left+Right Click): Reveal all adjacent squares when the number of adjacent flags matches the number displayed
Mobile Controls
- Tap: Reveal a square
- Long Press: Place/remove a flag
- Double Tap on a revealed number: Reveal all adjacent squares (similar to middle click)
Difficulty Levels
Beginner
9×9 grid with 10 mines. Perfect for learning the basics of the game.
Intermediate
16×16 grid with 40 mines. A good challenge once you've mastered the basics.
Expert
16×30 grid with 99 mines. For those seeking a real challenge.
Strategies
1. Start with the corners
Starting with corners and edges usually gives you the best chance of getting an opening, as there are fewer adjacent squares to worry about.
2. Use process of elimination
If a number shows 1 mine and you've already flagged it, all other adjacent squares must be safe.
3. Look for patterns
Certain number patterns can tell you exactly where mines are located. For example, a "1-2-1" pattern along an edge often indicates a specific mine arrangement.
4. Use the chord function
When all mines around a number are flagged, you can use middle-click (or chord) to quickly reveal all remaining adjacent squares.
5. Don't guess unless you have to
Try to make deductions based on the information available. Only guess when you've exhausted all logical moves.