Understand the objective

The immediate goal is using number clues to identify safe cells and hidden mines. Before making a move, identify what counts as progress and what can end the round.

A reliable way to begin

Start by opening space and reading the boundary numbers around revealed areas.

A number tells you exactly how many adjacent cells contain mines.

  • Read the board before acting.
  • Make one deliberate move at a time.
  • Review what changed after each move.

Build consistency

When a number already touches the required number of flags, its other neighbours are safe.

When the number of covered neighbours equals the remaining mines, flag them all.

Common beginner errors

Most early losses come from speed rather than difficulty.

  • Guessing before checking every available clue.
  • Treating a flag as proven when it was placed speculatively.