How to Play Gomoku

Rules and tips for Gomoku, for first-time players.

How to play Gomoku

1
Black and White take turns placing one stone on an empty intersection of a 15×15 board. Black goes first.
2
Stones are never moved or captured. You can place a stone on any empty point.
3
The first player to get five of their stones in an unbroken line, horizontally, vertically or diagonally, wins.
4
On this site, six or more in a row also wins, and there are no forbidden moves (this is called freestyle gomoku).
5
If the board fills up and nobody has five in a row, the game is a draw.

Tips to win

A row of three with both ends open (an open three) becomes an open four next turn, which can't be stopped. Block your opponent's open threes early.
When you make four in a row, your opponent has to block the fifth point. Building your shape while forcing blocks is the heart of attacking.
Making a four and an open three with one stone (a four-three) wins, because your opponent can't block both.
Before each move, check whether your opponent has a four or an open three. This habit alone prevents many losses.
Without forbidden moves, Black (the first player) has a big advantage. Winning as White is something to be proud of.

Play Gomoku →

FAQ

Is Gomoku free to play?

Yes, and there's no sign-up. Play right in your browser on a phone, tablet or computer.

Can I choose how strong the computer is?

Yes, there are five levels: Beginner, Easy, Medium, Hard and Expert. From Medium up, the computer watches for your fours and open threes and blocks them. Expert looks for winning sequences of fours and threes and searches several moves ahead.

Can two people play?

Yes. Choose "2 players" as the opponent and take turns on the same device.

Are there undo and hints?

You can undo as many times as you like. Against the computer, undo takes you back to before your last move. Press Hint to highlight a suggested point.

Is this the same as Renju?

Renju adds forbidden moves for Black only (such as double threes, double fours and overlines) and opening rules, so that the first player isn't too strong. Gomoku on this site has no forbidden moves, and six or more in a row also wins.

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