Minesweeper Strategy for Beginners
Minesweeper is a pure logic game. Almost every square can be solved from the numbers around it, if you read them in the right order.
Reading the numbers
A number tells you how many of the (up to 8) neighbouring squares contain mines. A 1 with only one unrevealed neighbour means that neighbour is a mine. A 1 whose neighbour is already flagged means all its other neighbours are safe.
The first move
Your first dig is safe in most versions, including this one, and often opens an empty area. Then work around the edge of the opening, where the numbers are.
Two useful patterns
The simple 1 on the edge
A 1 touching only one hidden square: that square is a mine. Flag it, then clear around it.
1-2-1 on a wall
Three numbers in a row against a flat edge: the mines are under the two 1s, and the square under the 2 is safe.
Flags and chording
Flags are your notes. Once a number has the right number of flags next to it, all the other neighbours are safe. In many versions, tapping the number then digs them all at once. This is called chording and it speeds up play, but a wrong flag can make chording dig a mine. Be sure before you flag.
When you must guess
On bigger boards a few positions have no certain move. Then pick the square with the lowest chance of being a mine. Squares far from any number are often safer than guessing next to a 3. Before guessing, scan the whole board again, since new logic is often hiding somewhere else.
Which level?
Start with a 9×9 board with 10 mines. When you can finish it three times in a row, try the larger ones. Play Minesweeper free here: long-press to flag on a phone.
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FAQ
Is the first click in Minesweeper always safe?
In this version, yes. The mines are placed after your first dig.
What is chording in Minesweeper?
Tapping a number that already has the right number of flags, so that all its other neighbours are dug at once.
Do you ever have to guess in Minesweeper?
Sometimes on larger boards. Most squares can be solved by logic.
How do I flag a mine on a phone?
Long-press the square, or switch to Flag mode.