How to Play Bulls and Cows: Rules, Setup, and Winning Strategies

Bulls and Cows is a classic paper-and-pencil code-breaking game where one player thinks of a secret code and the other tries to guess it using logic and deduction.

Mastermind fans will recognize Bulls and Cows as the original version of the game. The mechanics are the same — Bulls = right symbol in the right place, Cows = right symbol in the wrong place — but instead of colored pegs and a plastic board, you can play with just paper and pencil.

Objective

Guess the secret code in as few turns as possible using logical deduction from feedback given after each guess.

Number of Players

2 players — one is the code-maker, the other the code-breaker.

Age

Ages 8+ — can be simplified for younger kids by shortening the code or limiting the symbols.

Game Length

About 10–20 minutes per round, depending on skill and code length.

Skills Learned

• Logical Deduction – Narrowing possibilities based on feedback.
• Pattern Recognition – Identifying overlap between guesses.
• Strategic Guessing – Choosing guesses that eliminate the most options.
• Memory – Tracking which guesses have ruled out or confirmed symbols.

Why We Like It for Families and Kids

When I was a kid, I loved logic puzzles — and Bulls and Cows gave me that thrill in a competitive game format. Now I play it with my kids, sometimes on paper and sometimes using a phone app, and it’s still just as satisfying. There’s something timeless about a game that’s pure deduction — no fancy board needed.

What You Need

• Paper and pencil for each player (or a printable Bulls and Cows score sheet)

Setup

1. Decide who will be the code-maker first.
2. The code-maker secretly writes a code (commonly 4 digits) where each digit is between 0–9. Decide if repeats are allowed.
3. The code-breaker starts with a blank area to record guesses and feedback.

How to Play Bulls and Cows — Step by Step

1: Grab a friend and paper and pencil
This is a 2-player game. One of you will be the code-maker, the other the code-breaker.

2: Decide who will be the code-maker first
There’s no official method, so you can flip a coin, roll a die, or use our Who Plays First guide and app.

3: Code-maker sets the secret code
Choose a sequence of digits (most commonly 4) and write it down where the code-breaker cannot see. Digits can be from 0–9. Decide if repeats are allowed.

4: Code-breaker makes the first guess
Write down a sequence matching the code length.

5: Code-maker gives feedback
For each guess:

• Bull – Correct digit in the correct position.
• Cow – Correct digit in the wrong position.

6: Record and analyze the feedback
Keep track of which numbers have been confirmed or eliminated, and which positions might be correct.

7: Continue guessing
The code-breaker keeps making guesses, one per turn, using feedback to narrow the possibilities.

8: Winning the game
The code-breaker wins by matching the code exactly.

9: Switch roles and play again
Alternate who is code-maker for the next round.

Bulls and Cows Rules (Summary)

• Code length is usually 4 digits.
• Digits can be from 0–9 and may be repeated unless agreed otherwise.
• Accurate feedback must be given after every guess.
• Bulls = correct digit in the correct position.
• Cows = correct digit in the wrong position.
• Code-breaker wins by guessing the code; code-maker wins if guesses run out (if playing with a set limit).

Variations to Try

• Change Code Length – Try 3 digits for a quick game or 5+ for a challenge.
• Limit the Digits – Use only numbers 1–6 to make the puzzle smaller.
• No Repeats – Forces pure positional deduction.
• Multiple Rounds with Scoring – Track how many guesses it takes and total points over several games.
• How to Play Bulls and Cows Like Mastermind – To mimic classic Mastermind, set your Bulls and Cows game to: 4 positions, symbols from 1–6 (or A–F), allow or disallow repeats per your preference, and limit to 10 guesses. Feedback is the same: Bulls = right symbol in the right place, Cows = right symbol in the wrong place.

Tips for Winning

• Start Broad – Your first guess should test multiple digits to get maximum information.
• Track Eliminations – If a digit gets zero Bulls or Cows, stop using it.
• Confirm Positions – Once you know a digit is in the code, try it in different positions to pinpoint where it belongs.
• Avoid Random Guessing – Every guess should be informed by the feedback from previous turns.

Bulls and Cows FAQs

Rules FAQs

Can numbers be repeated?
Yes, unless you agree otherwise before starting.

Do Bulls and Cows tell you which digits are correct?
No, they only tell you how many are correct and whether they’re in the right position — not which ones.

How many guesses do you get?
There’s no official limit, but you can set one (like Mastermind’s 10 rows) to make the game more competitive.

Strategy FAQs

What’s a good starting guess?
Try using all different digits (e.g., 1234) to get the most information quickly.

Is Bulls and Cows luck or skill?
Mostly skill — luck only plays a big role in the very first guess.

History FAQs

How old is Bulls and Cows?
It dates back to at least the 19th century and may have been played even earlier.

What’s the connection to Mastermind?
Mastermind is a commercial board game version of Bulls and Cows, replacing numbers with colored pegs.