Game guide · CXCWGS
Learn your way around Minesweeper
Minesweeper gives you a focused activity to play in your browser. 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. Make your first input carefully and watch the result. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.
Practice beyond the first move
Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow. 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. Read that aim before choosing your first action. Take a moment to understand the current position.
The order of play
- 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.
Using the playing area
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. Read the example below alongside these instructions.
Work through an 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. Take a moment to compare.
Avoid this misunderstanding
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. Read one step at a time and try it on the playing area. Match the instruction to the control you use.
Common questions
When I return, what is the goal 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.
For a quick reminder, how do I control Minesweeper?
For clarity: Click/tap to open. Right-click to flag, or use the Flag mode toggle for touch devices.
While learning, what example helps explain Minesweeper?
Keep this in mind: A revealed 1 means exactly one neighbouring square contains a mine. The clue counts diagonal neighbours as well as the squares directly beside it.
Before I begin, what should I watch out for in Minesweeper?
For clarity: A flag is your own note, not a confirmation from the game. Remove a mistaken flag before opening that square.
While learning, what format does Minesweeper offer?
Keep this in mind: Play using the solo mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
While reading the Guide, 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.
When I return, where should I start with Minesweeper?
Keep this in mind: Open a covered square to reveal it.
Do I need an account or a payment for Minesweeper?
Keep this in mind: No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.
While learning, how can I find Minesweeper again?
The key detail is this: Use the Games list or save this game page in your browser bookmarks. The Guide is linked from the playing page.
When I return, how do I report an issue with Minesweeper?
Keep this in mind: 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.