Gomoku
Take turns placing stones on the crossings. The first to make an unbroken line of five, across, up and down, or diagonally, wins.
How to play Gomoku
How to play
Black moves first. Click a crossing to place your stone. On a phone, tap once to preview the spot and tap again to place it. Stones never move once placed.
How to win
Make five of your stones in an unbroken line: across, up and down, or diagonally. This is the free-style version, so a line of six or more also wins.
Threats to watch
A four (four in a line with an open end) wins next move unless it's blocked. An open three (three in a line with both ends free) becomes an unstoppable open four if you ignore it, so block it early.
Opponents
Easy builds its own lines and often misses yours. Medium weighs every point for attack and defence. Hard reads ahead, hunts for forced wins made of consecutive fours, and punishes loose play.
Questions
What is the difference between gomoku and five in a row?
They're the same idea. Gomoku is the traditional name for five in a row on a go-style board. This version uses free-style rules: any line of five or more wins, and there are no restrictions on black's moves.
Is going first an advantage?
Yes, a big one. With perfect play the first player wins free-style gomoku on a 15 by 15 board, which is why tournament rules add opening restrictions. Here you can choose to go first or second before your first move.
What is an open four?
Four stones in a line with both ends empty. It can be completed at either end, so the opponent can only block one side and it wins next move.
How does the hint work?
It searches for your side, rings a point on the board and tells you why: it wins, blocks a four, stops an open three, starts a forced run of fours, or builds a line the computer hasn't blocked.
Can I play gomoku against a friend?
Yes. Choose Two players for pass-and-play on one device: black and white take turns, a hint helps whoever is to move, and undo takes back one stone.