Game guide · DIAOYULEQU
The Mastermind playbook
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. 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.
Take a closer look while playing
Take a moment to check the current turn. 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.
The challenge in front of you
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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
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
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. 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.
Follow the example
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. 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.
Keep this in mind
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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Questions that come up during play
For this game, what is the aim of Mastermind?
Deduce a hidden four-colour code within ten guesses, using exact and misplaced feedback. The controls work with mouse or touch.
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 game is played locally in your browser.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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. No download or player account is required.
How many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. You can start a new round from the game controls.
For this game, 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.
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. The controls work with mouse or touch.
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. The instructions above use these same rules.