Why isn't Expert always easier than Hard despite fewer slots?

Expert uses 8 colors in a 5-slot code but gives 10 guesses, while Hard uses 7 colors and gives 12. More colors plus fewer guesses means less margin, so Expert is the tougher test even though the code length is the same.

Mastermind Modes - Daily Challenge, Solo, Duplicates & Two-Player

Q: Which mode is best for beginners?

Start with Solo on Starter (6 colors, 4 slots, 10 guesses). It has the most room for error while you learn to read the feedback pegs. Move up to Classic and Hard once the reasoning clicks.

Q: Does the Daily Challenge change every day?

Yes. Everyone gets the same code each day, and solving it builds your daily streak. A new puzzle unlocks after midnight in the Asia/Shanghai time zone.

Daily rhythm

Daily Challenge

One shared puzzle for everyone, every day. Solve it to extend your daily streak; a fresh code unlocks after midnight (Asia/Shanghai). It's the same 7-color, 4-slot, 10-guess setup for all players, so scores are directly comparable.

If you miss a day, a Streak Freeze can keep your run alive — the daily loop is built to reward showing up, not grinding.

Single-player

Solo across four difficulties

Starter — 6 colors, 4 slots, 10 guesses. The gentlest way in.
Classic — 7 colors, 4 slots, 10 guesses. The standard game.
Hard — 7 colors, 5 slots, 12 guesses. A longer code with more room.
Expert — 8 colors, 5 slots, 10 guesses. More colors, less margin.

Each computer-generated code uses no repeated colors, so a confirmed color never shows up twice.

Advanced rule

Duplicates mode

The same color can appear more than once in the code. That removes a reliable shortcut — you can no longer assume a color you've placed is "used up" — so every deduction carries more weight. If standard Mastermind feels solved, this is the next step up.

Social play

Two-Player

One player sets a secret code, the other cracks it. Play pass-and-play on one device, or send a link so a friend solves your code in their own browser. Shared results never reveal the answer — only the feedback progress.

Quick pick

How do you choose a mode?

New here? Start with Solo · Starter. Want a shared, comparable puzzle? Play the Daily Challenge. Standard game solved and looking for a real test? Try Duplicates or Expert. Want to play a friend? Two-Player.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Which mode is best for beginners?

Solo on Starter — the most colors-to-slots slack while you learn to read the pegs. Level up to Classic and Hard as it clicks.

Does the Daily Challenge change every day?

Yes — one shared code per day, tracked as a streak. It refreshes after midnight (Asia/Shanghai).

Why isn't Expert always easier than Hard?

Expert packs 8 colors into a 5-slot code with only 10 guesses; Hard uses 7 colors with 12 guesses. More colors and fewer guesses make Expert the harder test.

Not sure yet? Learn the rules first, then jump into whichever mode fits.

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Mastermind modes: pick how you want to play