Game guide · DELIMETCH
Mastermind: what to know before playing
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. 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.
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.
Give this approach a try
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.
What the game asks you to do
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. 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.
How a round unfolds
- 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
Take a moment to check the current turn. 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.
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.
Where a round can go wrong
The board gives you the information needed for the 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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Clarifying the way this game works
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.
During a round, 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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
During a round, 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.
For this game, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
During a round, 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.
During a round, what does misplaced mean?
The guessed colour appears in the secret but not at that position, after exact matches have been accounted for. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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.
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.
