Minesweeper Academy
1. The Basics
Welcome, cadet. Your mission is simple: clear the minefield without exploding.
The grid consists of hidden squares. Some are safe, others hold deadly mines. Your job is to click all the safe ones. If you click a mine, it's game over immediately.
The grid consists of hidden squares. Some are safe, others hold deadly mines. Your job is to click all the safe ones. If you click a mine, it's game over immediately.
2. The Numbers
Every number you see tells you a secret. A number like "1" means exactly one mine is touching that square.
"Touching" means any of the 8 neighbors: Top, Bottom, Left, Right, and the 4 Diagonals.
"Touching" means any of the 8 neighbors: Top, Bottom, Left, Right, and the 4 Diagonals.
[1] [1] [1]
[1] ? [1]
[1] [1] [1]
-> The ? in the middle touches 8 squares.
3. Your First Move
Start by clicking a random spot (corners are often good). Once you open some space, look for the easiest clue: Corners.
If you see a 1 at a corner sticking out into the unknown, and it touches only one unopened square, that square MUST be a mine.
If you see a 1 at a corner sticking out into the unknown, and it touches only one unopened square, that square MUST be a mine.
4. Flagging
Think you found a mine? Right-click it to plant a FLAG. This prevents you from accidentally clicking it later. It marks the spot as dangerous.
The "1-1" Pattern
This is the bread and butter of speed solving. If you see two 1s next to each other along a straight edge of unopened squares:
The square next to the pair (on the side of the 3rd unopened square) is SAFE.
The square next to the pair (on the side of the 3rd unopened square) is SAFE.
Safe | [1] | [1] | Mine
-----------------------
(Wall of unopened squares)
The "1-2" Pattern
A variation of the 1-1. If you see a 1 and a 2 next to each other against a wall, look at the square next to the 2 (away from the 1).
That square is always a MINE.
That square is always a MINE.
[1] [2] [1]
? ! ?
(! is a Mine)
Basic Efficiency
If a number (e.g., "3") touches exactly 3 unopened squares, then all 3 are mines. Flag them all instantly!
The "1-2-1" Pattern
If you see the pattern 1 - 2 - 1 in a straight line against a wall of unopened squares, here is the rule:
The mines are under the two 1s.
The square under the 2 is SAFE.
The mines are under the two 1s.
The square under the 2 is SAFE.
[1] [2] [1]
X O X
(X = Mine, O = Safe)
Chording (Speed Play)
Once you have placed the correct number of flags around a number (e.g., you flagged 1 mine next to a "1"), you can click the number itself (or press both mouse buttons).
This will instantly open all other surrounding squares. This is how pros play fast!
This will instantly open all other surrounding squares. This is how pros play fast!
The "1-2-2-1" Pattern
A more complex sequence. If you see 1 - 2 - 2 - 1 against a wall, the mines are typically located under the 2s.
Specifically: The mines are under the second and third squares in the sequence (the 2s), or the pattern implies a reduction to a 1-2-1 logic depending on neighbors.
Specifically: The mines are under the second and third squares in the sequence (the 2s), or the pattern implies a reduction to a 1-2-1 logic depending on neighbors.
[1] [2] [2] [1]
O X X O
(Typically implies mines under the 2s)
The "1-2-1" Reduced
Advanced players look for patterns that are partially hidden. If a "2" has one mine found already, it effectively becomes a "1".
This can transform a confusing board into a simple "1-2-1" pattern. Always subtract known mines from the numbers to see the "true" pattern underneath.
This can transform a confusing board into a simple "1-2-1" pattern. Always subtract known mines from the numbers to see the "true" pattern underneath.
Box Logic / Holes
Sometimes you have a "1" inside a corner of other numbers (a hole). If that "1" touches only squares that are also touched by another number, you can use set theory (subtraction) to prove a square is safe.
Example: If a "1" touches squares A & B, and a "2" touches A, B, & C, then C MUST be a mine (because A & B can only hold max 1 mine).
Example: If a "1" touches squares A & B, and a "2" touches A, B, & C, then C MUST be a mine (because A & B can only hold max 1 mine).
Endgame Probability
Sometimes, logic fails. You are left with two squares and one mine, and no clues. This is a 50/50 guess.
Don't guess blindly! Look at the "Mines Left" counter. Calculate the odds. If one isolated area is a 50% chance, but another area has a 1-in-3 chance, take the 1-in-3 risk first.
Don't guess blindly! Look at the "Mines Left" counter. Calculate the odds. If one isolated area is a 50% chance, but another area has a 1-in-3 chance, take the 1-in-3 risk first.
Mine Counting
In the final stages, count exactly how many mines are left in the game counter. If the counter says "1 Mine Left" and you have two enclosed groups, calculate which group MUST hold the mine to satisfy the numbers.