deduction puzzle

How to play Minesweeper

Quick answer: Minesweeper is a deduction game where numbers tell you how many mines touch a square.

Play Minesweeper

Minesweeper rules

Open cells to reveal numbers. Each number counts mines in the eight surrounding cells. Flag cells you believe are mines and clear every safe cell to win.

Controls

Click or tap to open a square. Use flag mode on mobile, or right-click on desktop to place flags.

Scoring and ranking

Minesweeper rankings favor completed boards with faster times within each difficulty.

Strategy tips

• Use 1-2-1 and 1-2-2-1 patterns when they appear along an edge.
• Flag confirmed mines so nearby numbers become easier to read.
• Do not guess until all forced moves have been checked.

FAQ

What does a number mean in Minesweeper?

It shows how many mines are adjacent to that cell, including diagonals.

Can the first click hit a mine?

No. The first click is protected.

How do I flag on a phone?

Turn on flag mode, then tap the suspected mine square.