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Minesweeper: rules and examples

One thing to notice as you play

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. Keep the objective visible.

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.

Follow these playing steps

  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.

The controls to know

Click/tap to open. Right-click to flag, or use the Flag mode toggle for touch devices. A careful first action helps you become familiar with the layout. Avoid pressing the same control repeatedly while a move is being processed.

See how the rules apply

A revealed 1 with only one covered neighbour means that neighbour contains a mine. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Keep the game’s format in mind.

A useful caution

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. Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow.

A few questions answered

As a new player, what is the goal of Minesweeper?

For clarity: Open all 71 safe cells. Opening a mine ends the round. Flags help you mark suspected mines but do not replace opening safe cells.

For my first round, 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.

What example helps explain Minesweeper?

The key detail is this: A revealed 1 with only one covered neighbour means that neighbour contains a mine.

When I return, what should I watch out for in Minesweeper?

Keep this in mind: A flag is your own note, not a confirmation from the game. Remove a mistaken flag before opening that square.

On this playing page, what format does Minesweeper offer?

Play using the solo mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.

When I return, which play mode does Minesweeper use?

Here is the relevant explanation: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.

Before I begin, where should I start with Minesweeper?

The key detail is this: Open a covered square to reveal it.

For this browser game, do I need an account or a payment for Minesweeper?

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 a quick reminder, how do I report an issue with Minesweeper?

Here is the relevant explanation: 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.