Game guide · BJTENGYUE
Your guide to Mastermind
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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction. 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
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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
The challenge in front of you
Read the position before choosing your next action. Deduce a hidden four-colour code within ten guesses, using exact and misplaced feedback.
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.
Keyboard and screen controls
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. 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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
See the idea in action
Check the rule below as you play. 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.
Keep this in mind
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Four misplaced matches do not mean four exact positions. Also, repeated colours must not be counted more times than they appear in the secret.
Game-specific help
When I start, what is the aim of Mastermind?
Deduce a hidden four-colour code within ten guesses, using exact and misplaced feedback. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
On this page, 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 controls work with mouse or touch.
When I start, 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 worked example offers another way to follow the 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.
On this page, 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.
When I start, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
When I start, can the secret repeat a colour?
Yes. Any of the six colours can appear more than once. The controls work with mouse or touch.
What does misplaced mean?
The guessed colour appears in the secret but not at that position, after exact matches have been accounted for. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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.
During a round, can I see the answer?
The answer is shown when you solve the code or use all ten guesses. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
