MASTERED

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Strategy

• Minesweeper strategy is the art of solving

games.

• Techniques include learning patterns a

where to click first, using guessing tactics and

developing efficient clicking and mouse

movement.

Patterns

A pattern is a common arrangement of numbers that has only one solution. If you memorize a pattern it will reduce the amount of time you waste thinking.

Here are a few…

Patterns

More About Patterns

There are two basic patterns which combine to make all other patterns. The first is 1-1 and the second is 1-2.

Whenever you see a 1-1 pattern starting from an edge the 3rd square over is empty.Whenever you see a 1-2 pattern the 3rd square over is always a mine.

Here are some examples:

Basics of Identifying Mines

Patterns That Build on Patterns

The two most famous patterns are 1-2-1 and 1-2-2-1. These are so common new players should memorize them immediately.

If you look carefully they are just combinations of the 1-2 pattern.

And here we are…

Here Is What They Look Like

Complication Reduces to Basics

At first it seems like there are many patterns. If you study them, they are actually 1-2-1 and 1-2-2-1 patterns or combinations.

These in turn are variations of the basic 1-2 pattern. Each set of numbers reduces when you subtract known mines.

Here are some final examples:

Inherently Basic Combinations

Guessing V.s. Density

• Sometimes in Mine Sweeper You have to Guess

• The Key is to Solve Around… and Guess as little as possible.

• If you insist on guessing, think about the mine density of the level you are playing. Still keep in mind the density of each level is pretty low, so less dense solutions are more common overall.

Mine Density

More About Guessing

A second strategy is to click a random square thatdoes not touch any numbers.A third strategy is to determine the number ofmines remaining by flagging the rest of the board.A fourth strategy is to guess in the most usefulplace. Clicking square I has the potential toeliminate all the other guesses!A final strategy would be to guess the most likely solution mine is more likely in L than K and more likely in Hthan D.

Guessing Revisited

The guessing strategy you choose depends on whether you want to win more games or only fast games. Some strategies improve your chance of winning but are time consuming. Others are fast but risky.

Time Management

• The fewer taps you make, the sooner you’ll finish the game, right?

Efficient Flagging & Chording

Efficient NF

Flagging in a Complicated Situation

Thinking Moves Ahead

As you get experience, you will begin to “see” the board as though it were solved.

The more you see the board that way, the faster you play and the less mouse movements you make, which saves you time.

Eyes for Mines, Only

In 'Example A' you can flag the red square and

chord instantly. This is if you have solved the adjacent squares in your head.

A new player would have to move elsewhere and come back later. The red square in 'Example B' can be similarly solved. Less movement equals better scores.

Let’s take a look:

Solving Ahead Saves Time

Final Notes

The best way to improve efficiency is to play slowly.

Find the most efficient solution and path to each problem before pressing any buttons.

You will soon see improvements while playing at full speed.

Closing Remarks

• Special Thanks to Jim Loy, Brian Chu and Frank Wester for their insightful guides.

• Thank you to Sean Barrett for the basics and Frank Kostka for the “First Click” section.

• For more information about the app Mine Sweeper II featured in all pictures, please visithttp://www.minesweeper2.com or get the game here.