Minesweeper (video game) facts for kids
Minesweeper is a fun strategy game that often comes with Microsoft computer operating systems. You can also find it on many other computer systems and desktop setups.
The main goal of the game is to clear a "minefield" without clicking on any hidden mines. When you click on a square, one of two things happens:
- If you click on a mine, the game ends!
- If you click on an empty square, the game continues. A number might appear on that square. This number tells you how many mines are touching that square (including diagonally). These numbers are super helpful because they give you clues about where the mines are hidden.
You win the game when you have clicked on every single square that does not contain a mine. It's like a puzzle where you use logic to find the safe spots!
Contents
How to Play Minesweeper
Playing Minesweeper is simple, but winning takes some smart thinking!
Starting a Game
When you start a new game, you'll see a grid of squares. All the squares are covered up. Your first click is usually safe and won't hit a mine. This first click often reveals a few empty squares or a number.
Using the Numbers
The numbers are your best friends in Minesweeper.
- A square with the number 1 means there is exactly one mine touching that square.
- A square with the number 2 means two mines are touching it, and so on.
- If a square is empty (no number), it means no mines are touching it. When you click an empty square, it often opens up a large area of other empty squares around it.
Marking Mines
Once you figure out where a mine is, you can "flag" it. To do this, you usually right-click on the square. This places a flag icon on it. Flagging mines helps you remember where they are so you don't accidentally click them. It also helps you keep track of how many mines you've found.
Winning the Game
To win, you need to uncover all the squares that don't have mines. You don't need to flag every single mine to win, but it helps! The game ends when all safe squares are revealed.
Different Ways to Play
Minesweeper has been around for a long time, and people have made many different versions of it. Some versions change the shape of the playing field, while others add new rules.
Images for kids
-
A won expert game of KMines, a free and open-source version of Minesweeper.