The 1-2-1 pattern
Along a straight edge, 1-2-1 always means mines opposite both 1s and a safe square opposite the 2. Learn to spot it and use it. Patterns and guessing · lesson 1 of 3.
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The lesson in words
Along a straight edge of open squares, look for the numbers 1, 2, 1 in a row.
The 2 needs two mines in the three squares above it. If both were next to each other, one of the 1s would touch two mines. So the mines sit opposite both 1s, and the square opposite the 2 is safe.
Use the highlighted 1-2-1.
Try it: Tap the two mines.
And the square between them?
Try it: Tap the square the 1-2-1 proves safe.
Now find a 1-2-1 on your own.
Try it: Tap the safe square opposite the 2.
Mines opposite the 1s, safe opposite the 2. Its cousin 1-2-2-1 works the same way: mines opposite the 2s, safe opposite the 1s. Next: the 1-1.