Game guide · MAUFITZ
Learn the rules of Mastermind
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Deduce a hidden four-colour code within ten guesses, using exact and misplaced feedback. 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.
Practice with a purpose
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Check guess records your attempt. Exact means correct colour and position; misplaced means correct colour in another position. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Your objective
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. Deduce a hidden four-colour code within ten guesses, using exact and misplaced feedback. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
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.
Making selections and moves
The board gives you the information needed for the next 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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
A useful example
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.
One detail worth checking
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. 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.
Read these answers for extra help
For this game, what is the aim of Mastermind?
Deduce a hidden four-colour code within ten guesses, using exact and misplaced feedback. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
For this game, 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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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. No download or player account is required.
For this game, 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 worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
For this game, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The game is played locally in your browser.
Can the secret repeat a colour?
Yes. Any of the six colours can appear more than once. No download or player account is required.
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.
During a round, are colour numbers part of the rules?
They are labels for accessibility; the number and its colour refer to the same peg choice. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
For this game, can I see the answer?
The answer is shown when you solve the code or use all ten guesses. The game is played locally in your browser.