Game guide · 5AICAKE
Follow the steps for Mastermind
Deduce a hidden four-colour code within ten guesses, using exact and misplaced feedback. The game area remains available above the explanation. 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.
One thing to notice as you play
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. Check guess records your attempt. Exact means correct colour and position; misplaced means correct colour in another position.
The goal to keep in mind
Check the rule below as you play. Deduce a hidden four-colour code within ten guesses, using exact and misplaced feedback. The game area remains available above the explanation.
How a round unfolds
- 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 closer look at one example
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. 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 mistake to avoid
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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Further help with the game
During a round, what is the aim of Mastermind?
Deduce a hidden four-colour code within ten guesses, using exact and misplaced feedback. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
When I start, 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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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. The game is played locally in your browser.
During a round, 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.
On this page, 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.
For this game, can the secret repeat a colour?
Yes. Any of the six colours can appear more than once. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
When I start, what does misplaced mean?
The guessed colour appears in the secret but not at that position, after exact matches have been accounted for. A new round resets the current game.
On this page, 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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
