Game guide · GODIEA
Learn your way around Mastermind
Read the position before choosing your 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.
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
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.
What you need to achieve
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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.
Work through the instructions
- 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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
One way to understand the rules
Check the rule below as you play. 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.
A common point of confusion
The board gives you the information needed for the 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.
Game-specific help
When I start, what is the aim of Mastermind?
Deduce a hidden four-colour code within ten guesses, using exact and misplaced feedback. The instructions above use these same rules.
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.
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.
For this game, 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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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. A new round resets the current game.
On this page, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
When I start, can the secret repeat a colour?
Yes. Any of the six colours can appear more than once. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
What does misplaced mean?
The guessed colour appears in the secret but not at that position, after exact matches have been accounted for. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
For this game, 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.
On this page, can I see the answer?
The answer is shown when you solve the code or use all ten guesses. The controls work with mouse or touch.