Game guide · LYLIANYING
Know the goal in Mastermind
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. Deduce a hidden four-colour code within ten guesses, using exact and misplaced feedback. Start a new round when you are ready to try again. The computer chooses four positions from six colours; repeated colours are allowed. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Four positions, six colours and ten guesses, with repeated colours allowed. This is an independently coded free colour-code puzzle, not an official branded edition.
Something to practise
Check the rule below as you play. Check guess records your attempt. Exact means correct colour and position; misplaced means correct colour in another position. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
The objective of a round
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Deduce a hidden four-colour code within ten guesses, using exact and misplaced feedback. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
The steps to play
- The computer chooses four positions from six colours; repeated colours are allowed.
- Select a code position and then choose a colour. Fill all four positions.
- Check guess records your attempt. Exact means correct colour and position; misplaced means correct colour in another position.
- Each secret peg can match only one guess peg. Use the feedback to narrow the next guess.
- Find all four exact positions to win. After ten unsuccessful guesses the secret code is revealed.
Keyboard and screen controls
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Tap one of four positions, then a labelled colour button. Numbers identify colours as well as the swatches. Press Check guess only when all slots are filled.
Put the rules into context
Check the rule below as you play. For secret 1,1,2,2 and guess 1,2,1,3, feedback is one exact and two misplaced. The extra 3 has no match. The game area remains available above the explanation.
An important reminder
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. Four misplaced matches do not mean four exact positions. Also, repeated colours must not be counted more times than they appear in the secret. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Answers about the rules and controls
On this page, what is the aim of Mastermind?
Deduce a hidden four-colour code within ten guesses, using exact and misplaced feedback. No download or player account is required.
How do the controls work?
Tap one of four positions, then a labelled colour button. Numbers identify colours as well as the swatches. Press Check guess only when all slots are filled. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
During a round, can you show an example?
For secret 1,1,2,2 and guess 1,2,1,3, feedback is one exact and two misplaced. The extra 3 has no match. No download or player account is required.
On this page, which mistake should I avoid?
Four misplaced matches do not mean four exact positions. Also, repeated colours must not be counted more times than they appear in the secret. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
On this page, what rules and limits are used here?
Four positions, six colours and ten guesses, with repeated colours allowed. This is an independently coded free colour-code puzzle, not an official branded edition. The game is played locally in your browser.
When I start, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. You can start a new round from the game controls.
On this page, can the secret repeat a colour?
Yes. Any of the six colours can appear more than once. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
During a round, what does misplaced mean?
The guessed colour appears in the secret but not at that position, after exact matches have been accounted for. The controls work with mouse or touch.
When I start, are colour numbers part of the rules?
They are labels for accessibility; the number and its colour refer to the same peg choice. The instructions above use these same rules.
When I start, can I see the answer?
The answer is shown when you solve the code or use all ten guesses. The game is played locally in your browser.
