Game guide · PYZSB
Understand the basics of 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. 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.
Practice beyond the first move
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. Check guess records your attempt. Exact means correct colour and position; misplaced means correct colour in another position. The game area remains available above the explanation.
What you need to achieve
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.
Making your moves
- 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
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.
An example before you play
The board gives you the information needed for the next 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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
One detail worth checking
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.
A few questions answered
For this game, what is the aim of Mastermind?
Deduce a hidden four-colour code within ten guesses, using exact and misplaced feedback. A new round resets the current game.
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. 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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
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. 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. The instructions above use these same rules.
For this game, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
For this game, 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.
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.
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. The instructions above use these same rules.
On this page, 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.
