Compiled Tips

Many people have created their own sets of tips for playing minesweeper, so here is a list of links...

Planet Minesweeper's Advice Section- very detailed and thorough

The Authoritative Minesweeper Tips- another detailed tips section

The Minesweeper Page- Strategy- in-depth patterns analysis, though much of it is included at Planet Minesweeper

Minesweeper Strategies and Tips- compiled, it seems, over time. also some philosophy

Minesweeper for Beginners- long and complicated, but complete

B.O.M.B. Tips & Tricks- complete, easy on the eyes

Here are some tips of my own:

-Set resolution to 640x480 for Minesweeper. Here's how to do this to keep your desktop from getting really messed up because of the change: 1. right click on minesweeper icon (this works for clone and arbiter, too) 2. choose 'properties' 3. click the 'compatibility' tab and choose 'Run in 640x480 Screen Resolution' under 'Display settings'. 4. click 'apply' and then 'OK'. The board should appear much larger then next time you open minesweeper. Let your eyes rest!

-Learn to play NF (without flags, using only the left mouse button). It helps learn patterns much faster than playing with flags.

-Use Minesweeper Clone 2006 v2 or Minesweeper Arbiter v.45.7 beta. Both are excellent programs, and it is a matter of personal preference which one to use. Minesweeper X is also a good program and is a nice, concise alternative to the other clones that includes the ability to create skins.

-Don't rush. The old adage "haste makes waste" certainly applies. Slow clicking can be just as effective as fast clicking. However, some top players click extremely fast. But you won't die if you are physically unable to maintain 7 clicks per second for a minute straight.

-Watch vids of expert players to learn techniques. A good source is Detrusor's Bestever List.

-If you don't control your minesweeper habits, the addiction will ruin you. I learned this the hard way.