While it might sound impossible, it is possible to get bored from classic casino games such as poker, blackjack, roulette, and even slots. Many of us, at times, want something different. One of the games that might fit the mold when roulette and slots do not scratch the itch is called Mines. Mines are an old concept. The original version has been around for a while. Many of us are familiar with it. Yet, the version that you can find at online casinos is something different.
Have you heard of Mines on Stake? It is an Stake Original game which is built on a simple grid where the reveal mechanic carries the gameplay. We're sorry to inform you that if you have missed this title to this point, you missed out on a lot of fun paired with some spectacular wins. At the above mentioned platform this game attracts 830,000 monthly users. It generates 354 million monthly wagers, and that speaks volumes of the high intensity this game brings to the table.
In no time Stake Mines have become a fan favorite. One of the reasons is the fact you can control the in game volatility through the number of mines you place on the 5x5 grid. Also, the game is blessed with an 1% house edge and 99% return to player. We know you're now eager to play it. Before you do, read this article.
How Mines Works
The rules are simple and the risk is flexible. The game starts by selecting the size of your wager. Next, you pick the number of mines you want on the grid. Anything between 1 and 24 goes. There are 25 tiles, so when you place 24 mines on it, you're playing the game at the highest volatility level possible. Once the game starts, you pick the tiles on the grid you want opened. If the tiles turn over and there's no mine, you receive a gem. Each gem is a hidden multiplier, and the more gems you collect the bigger the multiplier gets. After each tile reveal you can opt to cash out, or to turn over another tile and continue increasing your winnings.
The game ends when you reveal a tile that hides a mine. The mine explodes and you can restart the round with another wager.
Gameplay
The game itself is based on the popular Minesweeper, and the concept is almost identical. As we mentioned it comes with a house edge of only 1% and an RTP set at 99%. The number of mines you can place on the grid ranges from 1 to 24, with cash out being available after each round you've won. Lastly, and that's super important, the game is provably fair, and you can verify each of the outcomes after each round. Over the short period the game has been available it has become one of the most popular Stake Originals Online at Stake.com, and has 830,331 monthly players who generate more than 354 million bets. The game is super popular and it is nowhere too late to jump on the bandwagon.
Selecting The Number of Mines
The biggest decision when you're playing Mines is the number of mines you're going to place on the grid before each round. The number of mines has a direct influence on the game's volatility. Also, it creates a balance between risk and reward. Less mines guarantees safer gameplay, but lower multipliers, and low eventual winnings. With more mines on the grid, the risk grows, but multipliers increase guaranteeing bigger wins. For many players, playing the game safe generates more excitement, and a prolonged gameplay. With each revealed tile the multiplier will grow even on lower volatility, making wins valuable when you decide to cash out.
The more mines you hide, the less errors you're allowed to make. Yet, the multipliers get more rewarding with each revealed mine. Of course, each diamond you reveal brings more and more cash your way, but the risk grows with less tiles to be revealed. For many players when you put too many mines it starts feeling like you're playing a different game as the experience vastly changes.
Each mine is a new level on your volatility settings. The game doesn't have a volatility switch, but with more mines the game becomes more volatile. For conservative players, the advice is to start and progress with fewer mines. Once you get used to the gameplay, you can start increasing the number, and test the game at the higher volatility level. Higher rewards come with more risk, and that's something you should have in mind when playing Mines.
At the end of the day, you cannot go wrong with either choice. Test both approaches, and once you know which one suits you better, go with that one. Before you start, take good care of your bankroll management, collect your confidence, and rethink your betting strategies.
Manual play vs. Autobet
Stake Originals Mines can be played manually and via an Autobet. This grid based casino game allows players to pick their poison based on their playing preferences via these two modes.
With manual mode you select every tile you want revealed, and choose whether to turn another one or to cash out after the fact. If you're one of those players who enjoy being behind every in game decision, manual mode is for you.
With Autobet you'll play with your hands behind your back. Before you start all you need to do is to set betting rules, and patterns in settings to decide which tiles you want opened each round. If you're a player who relies on consistency, and have a good eye on your bankroll management you can go forward with Autobet.
Are Stake Mines Provably Fair?
Yes, yes they are. The game uses independently verifiable technology. Thanks to it, you can verify after the fact that each round generates fair results. Such transparency is the key behind the popularity of provably fair games. Each outcome is cryptographically written onto the blockchain as it cannot ever be altered.
Mines results are created via combination of a server seed, a client seed, and a cryptographic hash. Before the start of each round, the casino provider commits to the server seed. It then publishes the encrypted hash. When the seed is revealed at the end of the round you can go back and check whether it was the same value written before the round started. The original has always remained the same and that's the verification you need to ensure that the generated outcome was fair.
Furthermore, and this is the case with most modern games, each outcome is fully random and it is created by the power of a RNG (Random Number Generator). This is how the unpredictability of results is generated. Each board, at the start of each round, is generated independently. By knowing this, you know that the results of the previous round have nothing to do with the results of the upcoming ones. Players who learn the insights of the games such as these, know that the online casino providers cannot in any way alter the results of the game while it's in progress, and even less after. Another important aspect of the game is that the house edge always remains at 1% and the same goes for the 99% RTP.
Strategy Tips for Mines
The game is straightforward, and when you play with one mine on the grid, it can appear to be an easy one. Yet, Mines get more complicated the more mines you add to the grid. That's why you need to play this game with risk management on your mind. Unlikely outcomes are possible but not guaranteed. As we mentioned, each round runs independently, so you can forget previous results, but remember to take good care of your next decision. With that in mind here are few useful tips on how to play Mines:
-Start small. Low mine count is the way to go at the beginning. In addition to playing with low mine count, you should also keep your wagers modest before you get the grasp of the game. Learn about the multipliers, and tile reveals before you increase the bet. Playing the game slowly at the start will provide you with necessary time to get the hang of the game's rhythm, before you set out on the adventure of getting the multipliers maxed out.
-When you start playing the game with higher risk involved, never forget to count the number of tiles that are left unrevealed, and the number of mines that are still under. Respect the mines. When the number of mines is high, but the number of tiles is lowering, you're winning, but that's the time to be careful with how you proceed. Boards that have 10+ mines beneath are rich multipliers. Of course, they can also bring your downfall in an instant. Boards like these should be pursued, especially when you have already opened a few tiles, only when you're comfortable with your bankroll and the sum you'd left on the table in case you lose.
-Use Martingale betting strategy, but be cautious with it. For some bettors this strategy is bulletproof. It might be, but only depending on the depth of your bankroll. Doubling the bet after a loss is a viable strategy and many gamblers do it. While the idea is a simple one in essence, if your losing streak prolongs, it can create a dent in your bankroll, and if it is limited, and your losing streak is long, it can backfire. So, use it, when you're sure that your bankroll can handle it.
Playing Mines is all about comfort. Play it when you feel like it. It is a game of chance, where you have the control. Set the number of mines, search for tiles with gems, and remember, there are no safe picks, and the next round has nothing to do with the next one. It is a chance, and you're either going to take it, or not.
Mines FAQ
Q. What is Mines?
A. Mines is a casino game inspired by the classic Minesweeper game on Windows. The goal of the game is to reveal as many gems hidden under the 5x5 grid that has 25 tiles, before you step on a mine. With each gem the multiplier increases. The mine signals the end of the round. After each gem you have a chance to end the round by taking a cash out.
Q. Are Mines Rigged?
A. No, and by no means, no. The game is provably fair, the results cannot be altered, and are generated by an RNG. Each round is independent and verifiable. Mines is a game of chance, and one of the mostly popular Stake Originals on the market.
Q. Is there a free or demo version of Mines?
A. Unfortunately, no. Nonetheless, we need to argue that there is no need for a demo version at all. First of all, the game is well known to the majority of players, and it can be learned in a few short steps if this is your first time experiencing the concept.
Q. Best Mines Strategy? A. As explained above, there is no bulletproof strategy. None will guarantee a win each round. The game is all about managing your bankroll and doing the same with risks involved. Stake has an how to play guide, and learning that one could be a good piece of strategy.
With everything above said, Mines is a game you ought to try out. In recent times some of the big wins were recorded and counted in millions. To date, the biggest ever Mines win is $3,157,894.60. The biggest most recent win stands at $2,500,601.40, won by a player earlier in May. Even if Mines doesn't feel like your cup of tea, choosing some other game such as Plinko, Dice, HiLo, Limbo, or Crash might be the answer from the Stake Originals catalogue.
