How to Play Minesweeper

THE PLAYBOOK · 5438GAME

Making your first moves in Minesweeper

Try Minesweeper at your own pace and keep its objective in view. 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. Use the opening round to become familiar with the layout. Use the example below to understand a decision.

Practice beyond the first move

Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart. Keep the objective visible.

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. Try to explain the aim in your own words.

Step by step

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.

Using the playing area

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. Return to the rules if the result is unexpected.

Follow the example

A revealed 1 means exactly one neighbouring square contains a mine. The clue counts diagonal neighbours as well as the squares directly beside it. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Choose a deliberate next step.

Avoid this misunderstanding

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. Read one step at a time and try it on the playing area. Match the instruction to the control you use.

Common questions