Game guide · NEW61
Mastermind: rules and examples
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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. 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 beyond the first move
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. 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.
Your goal
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Deduce a hidden four-colour code within ten guesses, using exact and misplaced feedback.
Start here and follow along
- 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 interact with the game
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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Work through an example
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. 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 common point of confusion
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. 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.
Read these answers for extra help
On this page, 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.
For this game, 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.
On this page, 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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
For this game, 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. A new round resets the current game.
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 instructions above use these same rules.
During a round, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The instructions above use these same rules.
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.
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.
On this page, are colour numbers part of the rules?
They are labels for accessibility; the number and its colour refer to the same peg choice. A new round resets the current game.
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.
