Help and transparency

Frequently asked questions

The rules, ways to play, privacy choices and background of Duelo de Minas.

Reviewed 19 July 2026

Duelo de Minas is a free browser game that brings the two-player Minesweeper Flags idea to modern devices. This page explains what the game does and who maintains it.

The game

What exactly is Duelo de Minas?

It is an online interpretation of competitive Minesweeper Flags. Two players share a 16 × 16 board containing 51 mines. Instead of avoiding mines, each player tries to find them. Every captured mine becomes that player's flag and adds one point.

The first player to reach 26 has the majority and wins. You can compete online or play against the computer.

How is it different from classic Minesweeper?

The clues work in the same way: a number counts all neighbouring mines, including diagonals. The objective and turn system are different. Finding a mine is good because it scores and lets you continue. Revealing a number passes the turn to your opponent.

How do you win?

The board has 51 mines, so the first player to capture 26 secures the majority. The score and remaining mine count stay visible beside the board.

What does the 5×5 bomb do?

Each player can use it once, and only while behind. It reveals a 5×5 area and awards all mines found there. An interior, mostly covered area normally gives the bomb its best chance of finding several mines.

How long is a turn?

Each move has a 30-second limit. If time expires, play passes automatically. Capturing a mine starts a fresh move and a new timer.

Ways to play

Do I need to register?

No. Choose a short display name and a badge, then start. The game remembers those preferences in your own browser, but it does not require an account or password.

How do I invite a friend?

Select “Create private room”. The game creates a six-character code and a shareable link. Opening that link shows the invitation directly; the code can also be entered manually from the main menu.

What is the public harbour?

It is the list of players who have opened a public room and are waiting. You can join a listed room or publish your own. “Find an online opponent” tries to match you automatically.

Can I play alone?

Yes. The computer opponent has easy, medium and hard levels and follows the same 26-mine objective. It is useful for learning the rules and practising the decisions in the strategy guide.

Does it work on phones?

The board, controls and chat adapt to phones and computers. You need a modern browser with JavaScript. On smaller screens, chat opens as a panel so the board keeps enough space.

About the project

Duelo de Minas is an independent web project maintained by Fernando Moreno Ruiz. It was created to recover a particular social experience: challenging someone from a conversation and beginning a short game immediately, as people once did with games inside MSN Messenger.

The site does not copy Microsoft's application or present itself as an official continuation. It has its own visual identity, current online services and browser-focused game code. The Minesweeper Flags name is used to describe the historical inspiration and help former players recognise the rules.

The tile graphics come from Zomis's open-source minesweeper-flags-client project under the MIT licence. The presentation, game modes, tutorial, written guides and browser adaptation belong to this project.

Microsoft relationship: Duelo de Minas is not affiliated with, authorised, sponsored or approved by Microsoft Corporation. All mentioned trademarks belong to their respective owners.

Privacy, advertising and cost

The game is free. The site is prepared to cover hosting costs through Google AdSense, with advertising kept separate from game controls. Ads do not change the rules or provide a competitive advantage.

Optional analytics and advertising cookies load only after consent. You can reject them and still play. Online matches use temporary technical data needed to connect players; the site does not sell personal data or require a public profile. Read the full privacy policy and cookie policy.

Help and contact

New players can start with the how-to guide. The strategy guide covers turn control, chains and the bomb, while the history article explains the Messenger connection.

For bug reports, privacy questions or suggestions, email fernandomorenoruiz@gmail.com. Include the device and browser involved, but never send passwords, banking codes or other sensitive information.

Game resources

How to playRules and examples for a first game.Strategy guideDeductions, chains, risk, bomb and endgame.Minesweeper Flags historyThe MSN Messenger game and its browser return.

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Choose online matchmaking, a private room or the computer.

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