Game guide · BJHRWTGDGC
Learn the rules of Mastermind
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. 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.
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 you need to achieve
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 game area remains available above the explanation.
The playing sequence
- 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.
Controls
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your 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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
One way to understand the rules
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. 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.
Watch out for this
Take a moment to check the current turn. Four misplaced matches do not mean four exact positions. Also, repeated colours must not be counted more times than they appear in the secret. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Answers about the rules and controls
When I start, what is the aim of Mastermind?
Deduce a hidden four-colour code within ten guesses, using exact and misplaced feedback. The controls work with mouse or touch.
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. A new round resets the current 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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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 game is played locally in your browser.
Can the secret repeat a colour?
Yes. Any of the six colours can appear more than once. No download or player account is required.
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. A new round resets the current game.
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. The instructions above use these same rules.
For this game, 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.
