Object of the Game

The computer (after being programmed by the web developer) picks a random sequence of four colors, which are then "hidden" in memory. Each color may be used only once in the sequence. (The board game allows for harder variations using repetition of colors.) The six available colors are: red, blue, green, yellow, black and white. The object of the game is to determine the exact colors and positions in the hidden sequence in as few guesses as possible. After each guess, the computer gives you markers indicating exact and partial matches.

How to Play

In this version of the game, each color is used only once in the hidden sequence. You have ten tries to guess the exact color and position of the four colors in the hidden sequence. Starting with Try#1, choose one color for each position in the row of four boxes by dragging a color down from the Color Bin. Do not leave any empty boxes (gray color). If you change your mind, you may drag another color down from the Color Bin and place it over top of a previous color choice. Press the "Guess" button when you have made your selection final for your guess. You will be given markers to indicate the accuracy of your guess (see below for marker clues). If you fail to match the exact colors and positions of the hidden sequence, a new row for a subsequent try will appear. You have ten tries to guess the hidden sequence. If you have not guessed after ten tries, the sequence will be revealed to you. You may press the "I Give Up!" button at any time to reveal the sequence. Press the "New Game" button to start over with a new hidden sequence.

Marker Clues

For each of the boxes in your guess that is the correct color and in the correct position, the computer will give you a black marker. If you score 4 black markers, you have guessed the hidden sequence. For each of the boxes in your guess that is the correct color but in an incorrect position, the computer will give you a white marker. You will receive no marker for an incorrect color. Strategy for the Mastermind game is based on logic. check your previous guesses against the clues (markers) that you have received. Compare the colors and positions of previous tries that have received black and white markers, make changes in your new guesses, and then reevaluate based on the new clues.

Sample Marker Clues

If the code is:         red blue yellow green And your guess is: red blue green yellow you would be given two black markers and two white markers, indicating two choices that are correct for both color and position and two choices that are correct for color only. If the code is:         red blue yellow green And your guess is: red black green yellow you would be given one black marker, indicating one choice that is correct for both color and position, and two white markers, indicating two choices that are correct for color only. The choice of black would receive no marker whatsoever, as it is incorrect for both color and position. If the code is:         red blue yellow green And your guess is: "white" black green red you would get only two white markers, indicating your choice of the correct colors green and red in incorrect positions. Your choices of the colors black and white would receive no markers.

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