Game guide · SYNTAXCODER
An introduction to playing Mastermind
Read the position before choosing your next action. 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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
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
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Check guess records your attempt. Exact means correct colour and position; misplaced means correct colour in another position. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Your goal
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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.
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.
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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Try this 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. The game area remains available above the explanation.
A mistake to avoid
Read the position before choosing your 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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Read these answers for extra help
During a round, what is the aim of Mastermind?
Deduce a hidden four-colour code within ten guesses, using exact and misplaced feedback. The controls work with mouse or touch.
During a round, 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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
When I start, 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.
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.
During a round, can the secret repeat a colour?
Yes. Any of the six colours can appear more than once. The game is played locally in your browser.
What does misplaced mean?
The guessed colour appears in the secret but not at that position, after exact matches have been accounted for. You can start a new round from the game controls.
Are colour numbers part of the rules?
They are labels for accessibility; the number and its colour refer to the same peg choice. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
Can I see the answer?
The answer is shown when you solve the code or use all ten guesses. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
