How to Play Gomoku

THE PLAYBOOK · 51XIONGFEI

Start Gomoku by looking at the playing area and its controls. Make five or more connected stones horizontally, vertically or diagonally. A full board without a line is a draw. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Identify the playing area and the controls you need. Use the example below to understand a decision.

Try a deliberate move

After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again. Use the example to check your reasoning.

Your goal

Make five or more connected stones horizontally, vertically or diagonally. A full board without a line is a draw. Read that aim before choosing your first action. Take a moment to understand the current position.

Step by step

Player 1 places the first stone on an empty intersection.
Player 2 places a stone and turns alternate.
Look for open lines and block your opponent’s threats.
A winning line immediately ends the round.

Controls

Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Use the control method described here for this activity. Use the visible help when you are unsure of the next input.

A useful example

Four consecutive stones with an empty point at both ends creates two possible finishing moves. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Read the matching step again.

Watch out for this

This is freestyle Gomoku, not Renju: there are no special forbidden opening or double-three rules. Compare the situation with the worked example. Keep the stated aim separate from side details such as animation or appearance. Progress is measured by the game’s own completion or scoring rules.

Common questions

For this browser game, what is the goal of Gomoku?

Make five or more connected stones horizontally, vertically or diagonally. A full board without a line is a draw.

Before I begin, how do I control Gomoku?

Here is the relevant explanation: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.

While learning, what example helps explain Gomoku?

For clarity: Four consecutive stones with an empty point at both ends creates two possible finishing moves.

For a quick reminder, what should I watch out for in Gomoku?

Keep this in mind: This is freestyle Gomoku, not Renju: there are no special forbidden opening or double-three rules.

While reading the Guide, what format does Gomoku offer?

Here is the relevant explanation: Play using the same-device two players mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.

While reading the Guide, which play mode does Gomoku use?

Keep this in mind: The mode on this page is Same-device two players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.