How to Play Minesweeper on Paper

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Pick the 'computer'.

   One person needs to be “the computer.” In other words, s/he needs to set up the game.
   
   In most of the games, it’ll be you, since you’ll be the one who’s read the article.
2. 2

   Step 2: Assuming you’re the computer

   Then make an 9 by 9 grid on each sheet. , Do the same on the other grid. , That selection should be arranged like an even bigger square.
   
   Copy the arrangement onto your friend’s grid in the same place.
   
   Make sure that the letters and numbers correspond. , This will now be the cheat sheet.
   
   Place 8-10 Xs (or “mines”) on your grid, making sure that none of them are inside the 4 by 4 arrangement.
   
   Surrounding each X should be 3, 5 or 8 squares.
   
   Any mines in the corner will be surrounded by 3 squares, any mines bordering the edge of the grid will be surrounded by 5 squares, and all other mines will be surrounded by 8 squares.
   
   We will call these squares ‘’’border squares.’’’ , Figure out how many mines are surrounding the border square.
   
   The answer will be written as a number on the border square. , To make sure you’ve filled them all in, just look at how many border squares are labeled around each mine.
   
   If a mine has only 7 labeled border squares, you probably missed one.
3. 3

   Step 3: you should take a piece of paper and tear it in half.

4. 4

   Step 4: Label the columns of your grid A-I and the rows 1-9.

5. 5

   Step 5: Have your friend outline a 4 by 4 arrangement of squares on your grid.

6. 6

   Step 6: Cover your own grid from view.

7. 7

   Step 7: Pick a border square.

8. 8

   Step 8: Do the same thing on every border square.

Detailed Guide

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