How to Play Minesweeper

THE PLAYBOOK · SSNHJ

How to play Minesweeper

Make Minesweeper your next activity in the game library. 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. Keep the instructions close while learning this activity. Use the example below to understand a decision.

A careful first round

Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal. Keep the objective visible.

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. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. Take a moment to understand the current position.

Step by step

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.

Controls

Click/tap to open. Right-click to flag, or use the Flag mode toggle for touch devices. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Return to the rules if the result is unexpected.

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. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Look for the relevant detail.

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. Watch the feedback after an action. A message can explain whether the input was accepted or whether a rule needs attention.

Common questions