Minesweeper
Minesweeper: Deduce Safe Squares
Read number clues, flag certain mines, and combine neighboring clues to open safe squares.
Understand what each number means
A number tells you how many mines lie in its eight neighboring squares. A 1 does not point in a direction; it becomes useful when you compare it with opened squares and confirmed flags.
If all but one neighboring square have been accounted for, the remaining square must be either a mine or safe, depending on how many mines are still needed.
Combine neighboring clues
If a 1 touches only one unknown square, flag that square. The neighboring number may then have all its mines accounted for, allowing you to open its other unknown neighbors.
Compare overlapping groups of unknown squares. The squares shared by two clues, and those unique to one clue, can reveal a mine that neither number identifies alone.
Keep the board readable
Flag only mines you have proved. If no certain move is visible, review the edges of every open area for a clue combination you may have missed.
Some positions do require a choice because the clues are insufficient. When that happens, compare the risks and prefer a square that may reveal more information.