Minesweeper tutorial

Twelve short lessons, from what the numbers mean to the moves that stump experienced players.

Each lesson explains one technique and gives you exercises from real games. A computer checked every exercise: what the earlier lessons teach is not enough to solve it, and nothing harder is needed. So when you finish a lesson, you have used its technique, not guessed your way through.

The basics

1. 1What the numbers meanStartA number counts the mines among its eight neighbours.
2. 2All mines foundStartA number with all its mines flagged: its other cells are safe.
3. 3As many cells as minesStartA number with as many hidden cells as missing mines: all are mines.
4. 4Flags change a numberStartA 3 with one flag works as a 2.

Patterns

5. 5The 1-1 patternStartTwo 1s along a wall: the cell beyond the second is safe.
6. 6The 1-2 patternStartThe 2 shows a mine, the 1 a safe cell.
7. 71-2-1 and 1-2-2-1StartTwo 1-2 patterns back to back.
8. 8Two numbers anywhereStartThe same idea when the numbers are not in a line.

Advanced

9. 9Counting the minesStartAt the end the mine counter decides what the numbers cannot.
10. 10Three numbers togetherStartWhen no pair of numbers is enough, look at three.
11. 11The whole border at onceStartSome cells are proven only by all the numbers of a border together.
12. 12When you have to guessStartHow to see a true 50/50, and which guess is best.

Finished every lesson? The hard logic puzzles need the steps of the last lessons at every turn.