Game guide · MIBDF
Mastermind: learn through an example
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. 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.
Build familiarity through play
Check guess records your attempt. Exact means correct colour and position; misplaced means correct colour in another position. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
What the game asks you to do
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.
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.
Making selections and moves
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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
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.
Avoid this misunderstanding
Check the rule below as you play. 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 that come up during play
What is the aim of Mastermind?
Deduce a hidden four-colour code within ten guesses, using exact and misplaced feedback. A new round resets the current game.
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. A new round resets the current game.
During a round, 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.
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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
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. A new round resets the current game.
How many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. A new round resets the current game.
Can the secret repeat a colour?
Yes. Any of the six colours can appear more than once. The worked example offers another way to follow the 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. The game is played locally in your browser.
During a round, are colour numbers part of the rules?
They are labels for accessibility; the number and its colour refer to the same peg choice. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
During a round, can I see the answer?
The answer is shown when you solve the code or use all ten guesses. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.