The Mechanics: How a Round Unfolds
Every safe lamp can plant new hidden mines. Check the new price before choosing again.
Initial value is 0.97× the stake. With n unknown lamps and m mines, a safe pick multiplies value by n/(n−m), priced BEFORE additions. Then up to 0, 1 or 2 new permanent mines are planted uniformly among remaining safe unknown lamps. Old mines stay; opened safe lamps stay safe. A mine loses the stake. Bank at any time. Automatic banking occurs when all remaining lamps are mines or the next safe value would exceed 100×. Every stopping policy has theoretical 97% return with uniform hidden choices; outcomes are not guaranteed. Fractional credits persist between rounds.
The Math: How Payouts and Odds Are Calculated
At five initial mines and +1 additions: first safe chance 20/25 gives 0.97 ×25/20=1.2125×. Then six mines remain among 24 unknown lamps; the second safe chance 18/24 gives 1.6166667×. Next seven mines remain among 23 unknown lamps, so a third safe pick pays 1.6166667 ×23/16=2.3239583×. A stake of 100 returns 232 whole play coins and saves the fractional remainder if all three choices are safe.
House Edge and RTP: Where the Operator Keeps Its Share
The custom demo has exact 97% theoretical return: safe chance (n−m)/n multiplied by next safe value q×n/(n−m) equals q. The initial 0.97 factor sets the 3% edge. Added mines change future chances and prices without immediately increasing value. Results vary; 97% is not a promised session outcome.
Why Use the Free Demo to Learn the Odds?
This independent demo uses virtual coins without cash value. The wallet and fractional credits persist in this browser. Reloading does not refill it. Free refill restores 1,000 coins below 10 while no round is active.
Setting Limits Before You Play for Real
The custom rules do not establish the rules, safety or outcomes of any operator game. Adults 18+ only. Stop whenever you choose; real-money gambling can cause financial harm.
Frequently asked questions
Is the position of mines fixed for the entire game?
Initial value is 0.97× the stake. With n unknown lamps and m mines, a safe pick multiplies value by n/(n−m), priced BEFORE additions. Then up to 0, 1 or 2 new permanent mines are planted uniformly among remaining safe unknown lamps. Old mines stay; opened safe lamps stay safe. A mine loses the stake. Bank at any time. Automatic banking occurs when all remaining lamps are mines or the next safe value would exceed 100×. Every stopping policy has theoretical 97% return with uniform hidden choices; outcomes are not guaranteed. Fractional credits persist between rounds.
Can I lose more than my stake in Mines?
Initial value is 0.97× the stake. With n unknown lamps and m mines, a safe pick multiplies value by n/(n−m), priced BEFORE additions. Then up to 0, 1 or 2 new permanent mines are planted uniformly among remaining safe unknown lamps. Old mines stay; opened safe lamps stay safe. A mine loses the stake. Bank at any time. Automatic banking occurs when all remaining lamps are mines or the next safe value would exceed 100×. Every stopping policy has theoretical 97% return with uniform hidden choices; outcomes are not guaranteed. Fractional credits persist between rounds.
How do I know if the game is fair?
The fairness relies on the Random Number Generator (RNG) used by the operator. You can verify the odds by comparing the displayed multipliers against the mathematical probabilities, as explained in this guide. The demo game on this site uses the same logic.
