How to Play Minesweeper

Master the classic puzzle game with our comprehensive guide to Minesweeper rules and strategies.

Basic Rules

Minesweeper is a logic puzzle game where your goal is to clear a rectangular board containing hidden mines without detonating any of them. Here's how it works:

Left-click to reveal a cell
Right-click (or long press on mobile) to place a flag where you think a mine is
Numbers show how many mines are adjacent to that cell
Clear all non-mine cells to win

Game Difficulty Levels

Beginner

9×9 grid
10 mines
Perfect for learning the basics

Intermediate

16×16 grid
40 mines
More challenging puzzle

Advanced

16×30 grid
99 mines
For experienced players

Basic Strategies

1. Start with the Corners

Begin by clicking in a corner or along the edges. These areas typically have fewer adjacent cells, making them safer starting points and easier to analyze.

2. Use the Numbers

Each number shows how many mines are in the eight cells surrounding it. Use this information to deduce where mines must or cannot be.

3. Flag with Certainty

Only place flags when you're absolutely certain of a mine's location. Incorrect flags can lead to confusion and mistakes.

4. Look for Patterns

Common number patterns often indicate specific mine configurations. Learning these patterns will help you make faster decisions.

Advanced Tips

Use the mine counter to track remaining mines
Look for opportunities to clear multiple cells at once
When stuck, look for cells that must be safe based on the numbers
Practice recognizing common patterns to improve speed
Don't guess unless absolutely necessary

Common Patterns

Learning to recognize common patterns will significantly improve your game:

1-1 pattern: Two 1s next to each other often indicate a mine at either end
1-2 pattern: A 1 next to a 2 usually means the mine is diagonal to both numbers
Isolated numbers: A number with many unrevealed cells around it can be solved by counting existing flags

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