Minesweeper FAQ: Rules, Numbers and 3BV Answered
Common questions about Minesweeper rules, strategy, speed metrics, and Minesweeper.now features - answered clearly.
Getting Started
How do you play Minesweeper?
Left-click any cell to reveal it. If it shows a number, that number tells you how many min...What do the numbers mean in Minesweeper?
Each number shows exactly how many mines are hidden in the eight cells surrounding it, inc...Is the first click in Minesweeper always safe?
On Minesweeper.now, the first cell and its eight neighbours are protected. Other clients can use different first-click rules.What are the difficulty levels in Minesweeper?
Standard Minesweeper has three classic difficulties. Beginner is a 9x9 grid with 10 mines,...Why did my first click hit a mine?
On Minesweeper.now it cannot happen: the board is generated after your first click, so that cell...What does the smiley face mean in Minesweeper?
The smiley face is the reset button. Clicking it starts a new board immediately. It also reports...How many mines are in Expert Minesweeper?
Expert Minesweeper has 99 mines on a 30x16 grid. That is 480 cells in total, so the mine density...Strategy and Logic
Are there patterns in Minesweeper?
Yes. Patterns are recurring clue constraints such as satisfied numbers, subset deductions and the exact wall 1-2-1.Is Minesweeper a game of skill or luck?
Minesweeper uses both deduction and chance: logic resolves provable cells, while Standard mode can produce forced guesses.What is a 50/50 in Minesweeper?
A 50/50 is a situation where two cells are equally likely to contain the mine and no logic...Can you win Minesweeper every time?
No. Standard Minesweeper can deal a position that no amount of reasoning resolves: two covered...Is there a Minesweeper solver?
Yes - there is [one on this site](/tools/minesweeper-solver). You enter the numbers you can see,...How long does it take to get good at Minesweeper?
There is no universal timeline. Measure progress with repeated wins, pattern use, efficiency, 3BV/s and live percentiles...Flagging and Chording
How do you flag in Minesweeper?
Right-click any unrevealed cell to place a flag. Right-click again to remove it. On mobile...What is chording in Minesweeper?
Chording means clicking a revealed number after flagging the correct number of adjacent mi...How do you chord without a mouse?
Chording needs two simultaneous button presses, which is easy with a mouse and awkward without...Speed and Records
What is 3BV in Minesweeper?
3BV stands for Bechtel's Board Benchmark Value. It is the minimum number of clicks needed...What is the Minesweeper world record?
Records vary by board, client, mode and evidence rules. A current claim must name its authority and date...What is a good Minesweeper efficiency percentage?
Efficiency is your board's 3BV divided by the clicks you actually used, as a percentage. 100%...Minesweeper.now Features
What is No-Guessing mode in Minesweeper?
No-Guessing mode on Minesweeper.now generates boards where every mine can be found through...What is Arena mode in Minesweeper.now?
Arena on Minesweeper.now is a high-stakes challenge mode separate from standard ranked pla...What is the difference between Minesweeper and No-Guessing mode?
The rules are identical. The difference is which boards you are allowed to see: standard...What is the largest Minesweeper board?
The largest standard board is Expert at 30x16, which is 480 cells. On this site a [custom...How to use the Minesweeper FAQ
- Rules answers define the board, controls, numbers, flags, first click, and win condition.
- Strategy answers connect patterns, 50/50s, chording, efficiency, and No-Guessing play.
- Measurement answers explain 3BV, records, difficulty settings, and how to compare a time fairly.
More Help
Looking for detailed guides on rankings, arena mode, equipment, or quests?
Visit the full Help Center →Need a definition instead of a full answer? The Minesweeper glossary explains the vocabulary used across these questions.
Several of these answers come down to a number. The Minesweeper tools calculate them for you: the 3BV calculator for how much work a board demanded, and Is My Time Good? for where your finishing time places against every ranked player.