Bulls and Cows
Break a secret number by reasoning from the clues: each guess returns how many digits are exactly right and how many are right but misplaced.
How to play
A hidden code of digits is generated. Enter a full-length guess and the game scores it, then keep deducing until you reveal the number.
- A bull means a digit is correct AND in the correct position.
- A cow means the digit appears in the code but sits in the wrong spot.
- Bulls and cows are totals only — they never tell you which slot is which.
- By default every digit is distinct; tick the box to allow repeated digits.
Controls
- Desktop: tap the on-screen number pad or type 0–9, use Backspace to undo and Enter to submit; a Hint button fills a consistent candidate.
- Phone & tablet: tap digits to fill the row, tap a placed digit to clear it, then press Submit.
Game modes
- Difficulty by length: 3, 4 or 5 digits.
- Daily: one shared puzzle per day for everyone.
- Practice: unlimited fresh codes whenever you want.
Tips & strategy
- Open with spread-out digits to map which numbers are even in play before worrying about position.
- When a bull count holds steady but a cow turns into a bull, you have just located a digit's true slot — lock it and shuffle the rest.
About Bulls and Cows
Bulls and Cows is a traditional pencil-and-paper code-breaking game in the public domain. This is an original, free browser build with daily and practice modes, adjustable length and a solver-backed hint.
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