Game guide · XINLIANSHOP
Mastermind: rules and examples
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. Deduce a hidden four-colour code within ten guesses, using exact and misplaced feedback. Keep the goal in mind before your next move. The computer chooses four positions from six colours; repeated colours are allowed.
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.
An idea for your next attempt
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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.
Aim for this result
Check the rule below as you play. 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.
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
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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.
One way to understand the rules
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your 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.
An important reminder
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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.
If you are unsure
During a round, 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.
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.
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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this 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. The instructions above use these same rules.
For this game, 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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
How many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
On this page, 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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
For this game, can I see the answer?
The answer is shown when you solve the code or use all ten guesses. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.