Game guide · MXZTJ
The essentials of playing Mastermind
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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction. 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.
A focus for your next round
Read the position before choosing your next action. 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 you are aiming for
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. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Start here and follow along
- 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.
Your inputs
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.
One way to understand the rules
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Avoid this misunderstanding
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.
Further help with the game
What is the aim of Mastermind?
Deduce a hidden four-colour code within ten guesses, using exact and misplaced feedback. No download or player account is required.
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. No download or player account is required.
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.
When I start, 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.
During a round, 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.
During a round, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
Can the secret repeat a colour?
Yes. Any of the six colours can appear more than once. No download or player account is required.
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. No download or player account is required.
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.
Can I see the answer?
The answer is shown when you solve the code or use all ten guesses. You can start a new round from the game controls.
