Game guide · JZJSBYY
Understand the basics of Mastermind
Check the rule below as you play. Deduce a hidden four-colour code within ten guesses, using exact and misplaced feedback. The computer chooses four positions from six colours; repeated colours are allowed. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
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.
Practice with a purpose
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Check guess records your attempt. Exact means correct colour and position; misplaced means correct colour in another position. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Your goal
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. Deduce a hidden four-colour code within ten guesses, using exact and misplaced feedback. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
The steps to play
- 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 to use the controls
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. 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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Learn from a sample situation
Take a moment to check the current turn. 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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Keep this in mind
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.
Questions about this game
On this page, what is the aim of Mastermind?
Deduce a hidden four-colour code within ten guesses, using exact and misplaced feedback. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
During a round, 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. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
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. No download or player account is required.
During a round, 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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
When I start, 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 controls work with mouse or touch.
For this game, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The controls work with mouse or touch.
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.
On this page, what does misplaced mean?
The guessed colour appears in the secret but not at that position, after exact matches have been accounted for. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
Are colour numbers part of the rules?
They are labels for accessibility; the number and its colour refer to the same peg choice. The game is played locally in your browser.
On this page, can I see the answer?
The answer is shown when you solve the code or use all ten guesses. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
