THE PLAYBOOK · NMGAFT
How to play Minesweeper
Bring your attention to one round 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. Use the example below to understand a decision. Keep the instructions close while learning this activity. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.
Build a steady rhythm
Take enough time to read a new position. If a game has a timer, learn its controls first rather than searching for them during the round. Use the example to check your reasoning.
Your goal
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.
Step by step
- Open a covered square to reveal it.
- A number counts mines in the surrounding eight positions.
- Right-click to flag on a computer, or enable Flag mode on a phone.
- Use safe deductions to open the remaining cells.
Controls
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. Check any mode label before starting.
A useful example
A revealed 1 with only one covered neighbour means that neighbour contains a mine. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Notice the change in the playing area.
Watch out for this
A flag is your own note, not a confirmation from the game. Remove a mistaken flag before opening that square. A different version of the game may use a different rule. Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board.
Common questions
When I return, what is the goal of Minesweeper?
Keep this in mind: Open all 71 safe cells. Opening a mine ends the round. Flags help you mark suspected mines but do not replace opening safe cells.
While learning, how do I control Minesweeper?
The key detail is this: Click/tap to open. Right-click to flag, or use the Flag mode toggle for touch devices.
When I return, what example helps explain Minesweeper?
A revealed 1 means exactly one neighbouring square contains a mine. The clue counts diagonal neighbours as well as the squares directly beside it.
While learning, what should I watch out for in Minesweeper?
A flag is your own note, not a confirmation from the game. Remove a mistaken flag before opening that square.
For a quick reminder, what format does Minesweeper offer?
The key detail is this: Play using the solo mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
Which play mode does Minesweeper use?
Keep this in mind: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
