Code Breaker Strategy: 5 Techniques
1. A good opener
With repeats allowed, start with two pairs (red red blue blue). Without repeats, four different colours. Both split the possible codes well.
2. Zero is gold
No pegs at all means none of those colours are in the code. Cross them off and never use them again.
3. Black versus white
Whites tell you a colour is right but misplaced: move it. Blacks tell you a colour is in place: keep one there and change the others to learn which.
4. One change at a time (when stuck)
If you're unsure, change one slot and compare the pegs with the previous guess. The difference tells you exactly what that slot did.
5. Count what's left
Before each guess, list the codes that agree with every row so far. Guess one of them, ideally one that would give different pegs for each other candidate. The hint does precisely this.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best first guess in Code Breaker?
Two pairs, like red red blue blue, when repeats are allowed; four different colours otherwise. Both leave few possibilities whatever the pegs say. With perfect play any 4-slot, 6-colour code falls in five guesses.
Last updated 2026-10-20