Game guide · MINDONGYL
Play Mastermind with the rules at hand
Take a moment to check the current turn. Deduce a hidden four-colour code within ten guesses, using exact and misplaced feedback. Start a new round when you are ready to try again. 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.
A small practice goal
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Check guess records your attempt. Exact means correct colour and position; misplaced means correct colour in another position.
What you are aiming for
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.
A walkthrough of the rules
- 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.
Choosing and moving on screen
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.
Work through 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 goal in mind before your next move.
One detail worth checking
Read the position before choosing your next 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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
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. The game is played locally in your browser.
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 game is played locally in your browser.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
On this page, 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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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 worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
How many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
When I start, 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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
For this game, can I see the answer?
The answer is shown when you solve the code or use all ten guesses. The game is played locally in your browser.
