When considering how to use paintball mines it is import to know the different types and their functions. Most mines come in three basic varieties: pressure, tripwire and remote trigger. All three types can be used to great effect on the paintball field when used properly to complement strategies in almost any kind of paintball game.

Pressure Mine

Pressure mines are disc shaped with a pressure plate or button on top. The mine fires either paint fill or smoke power in an area that can cover a single person or several square feet. A pressure mine may need to be charged prior to set-up but can be deployed very quickly; however, the best way to disguise a pressure mine is to dig a hole just shallow enough so the top surface of the mine is flush with the ground, then use thin ground cover such as leaves to camouflage the mine. This mine is most effective when used in a confined space or chokepoint where the enemy will be forced to walk. Alternatively, they can be planted at a position the enemy is intent on occupying.

Tripwire Mine

Tripwire mines come in a variety of shapes but they all have similar trigger mechanism. The mine fires when the tripwire is pulled, either from and opponent tripping it or by the player pulling it once the opponent is close. They take more time to set than pressure mines.

Knowing the tendencies of one's opponents is crucial. If there is a route the opponent frequently uses, setting up a tripwire mine on that route can pay off. Tripwire mines can also be used as decoys. Used this way, one does not always need the actual mine to be set up. Use just the tripwires in a visible place as a way to lure opponents toward a readied kill zone.

Remote Trigger Mine

Currently, the most common type of remote trigger comes in a claymore style mine which can fire 20 or more paintballs in a long arc. This type of mine can cover a large area, and it can effectively be used to create a defensive perimeter in capture the flag and base raid games. Some remote triggers can be used to set off several mines at once. In this way it is possible to set up a one-man kill zone, freeing up teammates to engage the enemy elsewhere.

Using mines in conjunction with the terrain can make fighting difficult for the enemy and provide a distinct advantage to the team or individual using them.