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WTJPY

RULES & PRACTICE

How to Play Mastermind

Play Mastermind ↗

Game guide · WTJPY

Follow the steps for Mastermind

Check the rule below as you play. 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. 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.

An idea for your next attempt

Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. 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.

Your goal

Take a moment to check the current turn. Deduce a hidden four-colour code within ten guesses, using exact and misplaced feedback. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.

Step by step

  1. The computer chooses four positions from six colours; repeated colours are allowed.
  2. Select a code position and then choose a colour. Fill all four positions.
  3. Check guess records your attempt. Exact means correct colour and position; misplaced means correct colour in another position.
  4. Each secret peg can match only one guess peg. Use the feedback to narrow the next guess.
  5. Find all four exact positions to win. After ten unsuccessful guesses the secret code is revealed.

How your actions 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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.

Follow the 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.

An important reminder

Four misplaced matches do not mean four exact positions. Also, repeated colours must not be counted more times than they appear in the secret. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.

More answers before you play

On this page, what is the aim of Mastermind?

Deduce a hidden four-colour code within ten guesses, using exact and misplaced feedback. Use the labelled controls for your next action.

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. No download or player account is required.

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.

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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.

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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.

On this page, how many people can play here?

Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The controls work with mouse or touch.

Can the secret repeat a colour?

Yes. Any of the six colours can appear more than once. Use the labelled controls for your next action.

On this page, what does misplaced mean?

The guessed colour appears in the secret but not at that position, after exact matches have been accounted for. The game is played locally in your browser.

When I start, 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.

When I start, can I see the answer?

The answer is shown when you solve the code or use all ten guesses. The instructions above use these same rules.

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