Game guide · ITCGT
Learn the rules of Mastermind
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 computer chooses four positions from six colours; repeated colours are allowed.
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.
Bring this focus to a round
Read the position before choosing your next action. Check guess records your attempt. Exact means correct colour and position; misplaced means correct colour in another position. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
The goal to keep in mind
Deduce a hidden four-colour code within ten guesses, using exact and misplaced feedback. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
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.
How your actions 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. The game area remains available above the explanation.
A useful example
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. 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 this in mind
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.
If you are unsure
For this game, what is the aim of Mastermind?
Deduce a hidden four-colour code within ten guesses, using exact and misplaced feedback. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
During a round, 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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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 controls work with mouse or touch.
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.
When I start, can the secret repeat a colour?
Yes. Any of the six colours can appear more than once. The controls work with mouse or touch.
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. No download or player account is required.
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.
When I start, can I see the answer?
The answer is shown when you solve the code or use all ten guesses. No download or player account is required.
