Game guide · HNSZDS
Follow the steps for Mastermind
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. 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
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. Check guess records your attempt. Exact means correct colour and position; misplaced means correct colour in another position. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
The challenge in front of you
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. Deduce a hidden four-colour code within ten guesses, using exact and misplaced feedback. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Follow these playing steps
- 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.
Using the playing area
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. 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 area remains available above the explanation.
Work through an example
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.
Keep this in mind
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. Four misplaced matches do not mean four exact positions. Also, repeated colours must not be counted more times than they appear in the secret. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Read these answers for extra help
What is the aim of Mastermind?
Deduce a hidden four-colour code within ten guesses, using exact and misplaced feedback. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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 controls work with mouse or touch.
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. The game is played locally in your browser.
When I start, 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.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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 game is played locally in your browser.
On this page, can I see the answer?
The answer is shown when you solve the code or use all ten guesses. Use the labelled controls for your next action.