Safe Mines · 4 min
Safe Mines: Read the Neighbors
Turn local number clues into safe openings on a compact four-by-four board.
Last updated: 2026-07-22 · Written and tested by Starbox EditorialCount the correct neighborhood
A revealed number refers to mines in the surrounding horizontal, vertical, and diagonal squares—up to eight neighbors in the middle, five on an edge, and three in a corner. Before reasoning from a clue, trace its complete neighborhood so an overlooked diagonal does not invalidate the deduction.
Use satisfied clues
If a clue shows 1 and exactly one adjacent unopened square must contain a mine, every other adjacent unopened square is safe. Conversely, if a clue still needs two mines and has exactly two unopened neighbors, both are mines. The power comes from comparing required mines with remaining unknown squares.
Combine overlapping neighborhoods
Two nearby clues often share several unknown cells. If one clue’s mine requirement is already accounted for in the shared area, the extra cells around the second clue can be cleared. Work with small sets rather than guessing which single square “looks” dangerous.
Know when information runs out
Some randomized boards can reach a position where the visible clues do not force a unique safe move. Distinguish that from a missed deduction by checking every open clue once. If no constraint identifies a safe square, any choice is a probability decision; do not treat the resulting loss as a reasoning failure.
Return to the game with a clear method and compare like-for-like attempts.