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Mastermind

Crack the secret color code in 10 guesses!

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Frequently Asked Questions about Mastermind

How do I play Mastermind?
A secret code of 4 colored pegs is generated randomly. Each turn, you guess a combination and receive feedback: a black peg means a correct color in the correct position, a white peg means a correct color in the wrong position. Use the clues to deduce the code within 10 guesses.
What is the best strategy for Mastermind?
Start with a guess using 2 pairs of colors to gather maximum information. Use the feedback to eliminate impossible combinations. Keep track of which colors are confirmed and narrow down their positions systematically.
Is Mastermind free to play online?
Yes! PlayBrain's Mastermind is completely free. Play instantly in your browser with no download or sign-up required.
How many guesses do I get in Mastermind?
You have 10 guesses to crack the 4-color code. Expert players can typically solve it in 4-5 guesses using logical deduction.
What do the black and white pegs mean?
A black peg means you have the right color in the right position. A white peg means you have the right color but in the wrong position. No peg means that color is not in the code at all (for that guess slot).

About Mastermind

Mastermind is a code-breaking board game that has challenged logical thinkers since its creation by Mordecai Meirowitz in 1970. The computer selects a secret sequence of colored pegs, and you have a limited number of attempts to crack the code. After each guess, you receive feedback in the form of black and white key pegs: black means a correct color in the correct position, and white means a correct color in the wrong position. By systematically analyzing this feedback, you narrow down the possibilities until you deduce the exact sequence. Different difficulty levels adjust the number of colors and code length. Mastermind is a pure exercise in deductive reasoning that rewards methodical elimination over random guessing.

How to Play

  1. Select a sequence of colored pegs as your guess for the secret code and submit it
  2. Read the feedback: black pegs mean correct color and position, white pegs mean correct color but wrong position
  3. Use the feedback to eliminate impossible combinations and refine your next guess logically
  4. Crack the secret code within the allowed number of attempts to win the round