How to Beat Minesweeper: Tips for Success

Minesweeper is a classic logic puzzle whereby you have to clear as many squares as possible without getting mined. Behind every cell on the grid is a number which reflects the number of mines surrounding that square. For example, a number “2” could mean that two cells around that particular cell contains a mine. Working out which squares are safe is the aim of the game, and you need to successfully locate all of the hidden mines to solve the puzzle.

1. Understanding the Basics of Minesweeper

Some of the basics that every Minesweeper player should know include knowing when to flag and chord. If you flag all of the mines that are touching a number, chording on that number opens up the leftover square. Chording is when you press both mouse buttons simultaneously; it’s a real time saver! However, you do need to be careful with chording because it can explode the mines if you place the correct number of flags on the wrong squares.

2. Strategies to Improve Your Game

Becoming an efficient Minesweeper player is the best way to improve your game, and get the highest scores possible. Fewer clicks means less time, and you should never flag a mine unless you’re going to chord on it to open up more squares. Efficient chording is something you should get accustomed to, especially as a new player. Carefully chord only on numbers that are going to clear squares, and practice chording on the number in every scenario that will reveal the most squares. This will make you more efficient as you advance your gameplay.

3. Recognizing Patterns and Flags

There are a number of different Minesweeper patterns that you should be aware of. It’s important to recognize and memorize these patterns so that no time is wasted during the game. The most common patterns are 1-2-1 and 1-2-2-1, so make sure you learn these as soon as possible. As you progress, you will start to uncover more advanced patterns which will help you to become more efficient at the game.

4. Advanced Minesweeper Techniques

Here are five go-to techniques if you want to become an advanced Minesweeper player:

• Avoid all of the walls until you have cleared out the center of the map
• Make the minimal number of clicks possible your first goal, and then focus on speed
• If you are forced into making a guess, ensure it will help you out if it turns out to be right
• Only move your mouse to the very edge of the square your want to click rather than it’s center
• Think ahead about your next move that could be useful from the result of your current move.

As time goes on, you’ll start to learn all of the different tips and tricks that will make you a more effective Minesweeper player. Whether you’re focusing on chording techniques, or learning patterns and flags, start practicing and immerse yourself in the fun of online Minesweeper!

DISCLAIMER: The games on this website are using PLAY (fake) money. No payouts will be awarded, there are no "winnings", as all games represented by 247 Games LLC are free to play. Play strictly for fun.