[nojs]

The first example is not ambiguous. You can solve it starting at the bottom left

[red369]

Do you mean the first screenshot of Windows Minesweeper (the left half of ems02.png)?

Could you explain how? I haven't played a huge amount of Minesweeper, but I can't see how that can be solved without risk/luck.

[nojs]

On the left side, the 1 at the bottom means that the third from the bottom must be a mine (since the 2 can't point to the bottom two). The 1 touching that mine then excludes a bunch more, and that's sufficient to solve the rest.

[red369]

Thanks - I finally saw it just as you replied. I agree that it looks like that mine layout is the only possible one which satisfies the vertical 1,2,1 boxes. I need to play more :)

[greentec]

Thank you. I didn't see that!