Game guide · BDPSFJS
An introduction to playing Mastermind
Read the position before choosing your next action. Deduce a hidden four-colour code within ten guesses, using exact and misplaced feedback. Keep the goal in mind before your next move. The computer chooses four positions from six colours; repeated colours are allowed. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
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.
Try a more deliberate round
Read the position before choosing your next action. Check guess records your attempt. Exact means correct colour and position; misplaced means correct colour in another position. The game area remains available above the explanation.
What counts as success
Take a moment to check the current turn. 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.
Work through the instructions
- 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.
Choosing and moving on screen
Take a moment to check the current turn. 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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
An example to follow
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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Check this before moving on
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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 game area remains available above the explanation.
Questions that come up during play
When I start, what is the aim of Mastermind?
Deduce a hidden four-colour code within ten guesses, using exact and misplaced feedback. The game is played locally in your browser.
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. The instructions above use these same rules.
For this game, 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. The controls work with mouse or touch.
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 worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
On this page, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. A new round resets the current game.
When I start, can the secret repeat a colour?
Yes. Any of the six colours can appear more than once. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
For this game, what does misplaced mean?
The guessed colour appears in the secret but not at that position, after exact matches have been accounted for. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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.
When I start, can I see the answer?
The answer is shown when you solve the code or use all ten guesses. A new round resets the current game.