THE PLAYBOOK · SJBOB
How to play Minesweeper
Choose a round of Minesweeper and settle into its rules. Open all 71 safe cells. Opening a mine ends the round. Flags help you mark suspected mines but do not replace opening safe cells. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions. Use the opening round to become familiar with the layout. Use the example below to understand a decision.
Keep the aim in sight
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. 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. Read that aim before choosing your first action. Keep the controls in easy reach.
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. Read a button’s label before selecting it. Make sure you are interacting with the game rather than the surrounding page.
A useful 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. Consider the next action carefully.
Watch out for this
A flag is your own note, not a confirmation from the game. Remove a mistaken flag before opening that square. Check the rule before repeating the action. Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow.
Common questions
For my first round, what is the goal of Minesweeper?
Here is the relevant explanation: 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?
Here is the relevant explanation: Click/tap to open. Right-click to flag, or use the Flag mode toggle for touch devices.
For my first round, what example helps explain Minesweeper?
For clarity: A revealed 1 means exactly one neighbouring square contains a mine. The clue counts diagonal neighbours as well as the squares directly beside it.
For my first round, what should I watch out for in Minesweeper?
The key detail is this: 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?
For clarity: Play using the solo mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
For my first round, which play mode does Minesweeper use?
The key detail is this: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.