Game guide · LUYUANJD
Understand the basics of Mastermind
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. Deduce a hidden four-colour code within ten guesses, using exact and misplaced feedback. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction. The computer chooses four positions from six colours; repeated colours are allowed.
Four positions, six colours and ten guesses, with repeated colours allowed. This is an independently coded free colour-code puzzle, not an official branded edition.
Give this approach a try
Check the rule below as you play. Check guess records your attempt. Exact means correct colour and position; misplaced means correct colour in another position. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Your objective
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Deduce a hidden four-colour code within ten guesses, using exact and misplaced feedback. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
From the start of a round
- The computer chooses four positions from six colours; repeated colours are allowed.
- Select a code position and then choose a colour. Fill all four positions.
- Check guess records your attempt. Exact means correct colour and position; misplaced means correct colour in another position.
- Each secret peg can match only one guess peg. Use the feedback to narrow the next guess.
- Find all four exact positions to win. After ten unsuccessful guesses the secret code is revealed.
How your actions work
Read the position before choosing your next action. Tap one of four positions, then a labelled colour button. Numbers identify colours as well as the swatches. Press Check guess only when all slots are filled.
Put the rules into context
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. For secret 1,1,2,2 and guess 1,2,1,3, feedback is one exact and two misplaced. The extra 3 has no match. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
A useful caution
Read the position before choosing your next action. Four misplaced matches do not mean four exact positions. Also, repeated colours must not be counted more times than they appear in the secret. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Helpful answers for players
For this game, what is the aim of Mastermind?
Deduce a hidden four-colour code within ten guesses, using exact and misplaced feedback. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
When I start, how do the controls work?
Tap one of four positions, then a labelled colour button. Numbers identify colours as well as the swatches. Press Check guess only when all slots are filled. You can start a new round from the game controls.
When I start, can you show an example?
For secret 1,1,2,2 and guess 1,2,1,3, feedback is one exact and two misplaced. The extra 3 has no match. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
When I start, which mistake should I avoid?
Four misplaced matches do not mean four exact positions. Also, repeated colours must not be counted more times than they appear in the secret. The instructions above use these same rules.
During a round, what rules and limits are used here?
Four positions, six colours and ten guesses, with repeated colours allowed. This is an independently coded free colour-code puzzle, not an official branded edition. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
When I start, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. No download or player account is required.
On this page, can the secret repeat a colour?
Yes. Any of the six colours can appear more than once. The game is played locally in your browser.
When I start, what does misplaced mean?
The guessed colour appears in the secret but not at that position, after exact matches have been accounted for. The game is played locally in your browser.
When I start, are colour numbers part of the rules?
They are labels for accessibility; the number and its colour refer to the same peg choice. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
During a round, can I see the answer?
The answer is shown when you solve the code or use all ten guesses. The instructions above use these same rules.
