Question 1

How do you play Sweep?

Accepted Answer

Each number says how many mines touch that square, counting diagonals. Open every square that is not a mine. Switch to flag mode, or right-click, to mark a square you are sure about.

Question 2

Will I ever have to guess?

Accepted Answer

No. Every board is run through a solver before it is used, and any layout that cannot be finished by logic alone is thrown away. If you are stuck, there is always a deduction available somewhere on the board.

Question 3

Why does the board start partly open?

Accepted Answer

So that everyone starts from the identical position. A normal minesweeper opens wherever you happen to click first, which would make each player's board different. Here the opening is part of the puzzle, and it is always a safe cascade.

🚩 Sweep