The best players use both styles in the same game to maximise efficiency. Flaggers argue that flags allow you to chord and clear multiple squares at the same time.

Some players never flag because time used placing flags could be better used opening more squares. This flag is useful, but a flag in the corner is not

The most basic pattern is when a number touches the same number of closed squares. It is also possible to create Custom levels.įor a detailed discussion of strategy and tips, visit the Minesweeper Strategy page.Įach pattern has only one solution and can be memorised to save time. There are three levels of difficulty: Beginner has 10 mines, Intermediate has 40 mines, and Expert has 99 mines. A mine counter tells you how many mines are still hidden and a time counter keeps track of your score. You win by clearing all the safe squares and lose if you click on a mine. If all the mines touching a number are flagged, you can press both buttons on that number to clear the remaining adjacent squares. You can mark a mine by putting a flag on it with the right mouse button. Each number tells you how many mines touch the square. The first click is always safe and reveals a number or an opening surrounded by numbers. Minesweeper starts when a player clicks on a square with the left mouse button.

Minesweeper original