File it under things I don't understand: Minesweeper

[silverflight8]

THIS GAME. It's simple, right? Click. Look at the number that's revealed, and understand that in the eight blocks around it, there are that number of mines. Flag all the mines, and then you win!

As a child this confused me (the eight squares especially) but I read the rules later and understood. I played a couple successful games, and then it always happens. Minesweeper doesn't make sense, because I apply their rules and an extra mine shows up. I attributed this to me missing something or misunderstanding the game, but I look at the screen caps later, months later (I know, I know) and in no way does Minesweeper follow its own rules.

Here, let me show you:


Up in the top right corner (where I've tripped the mine, and it's red), the number right below says "1". But clearly, in the eight-block surrounding space there's not one mine--there's two. And the "2" next to it shouldn't be two, but three--there are mines on the left and right diagonally, and one above. And again with the two "1" numbers next to the "2"--it's completely screwy!


At the scrawny blue arrow--again, with the misleading "1" and "2"! BAH.

I have no objections to losing (OK, well I do, but that's what games are about) but what I do object to is the game not playing by its own rules!

Comments

[azurelunatic]

The x-ed out ones are misflags, I believe, not actual mines.

[silverflight8]

Thanks! Yeah, I realize that now *eats humble pie*

[pipisafoat]

looks like it is following its own rules to me! (the red X means you flagged a square is not a mine.) far as i can tell, once you apply that rule to these screencaps, it all makes sense?

also i love minesweeper. it is the only thing i miss about being a mac user.

[silverflight8]

Ah, yeah, now I know! and feel foolish :)

Aww, it's too bad macs don't come with those games. Although on the other hand, omg solitaire is the most persistent time sink ever, maybe it's not good that I have it.

[pipisafoat]

i've got chess and some other very effective time-sinks, plus there's the internet. and anyway, i prefer solitaire with actual cards. it's easier to cheat. minesweeper is the only thing i occasionally miss, and there are often windows computers lurking around being bored on which i can play if i feel a pressing need.

[silverflight8]

I don't even own a pack of real cards. I've almost always played solitaire virtually, which is a reflection on modern life.