THE PLAYBOOK · 5438GAME
Gomoku: instructions and practice
Gomoku gives you a focused activity to play in your browser. Make five or more connected stones horizontally, vertically or diagonally. A full board without a line is a draw. Use the example below to understand a decision. Begin with the same-device two players mode shown on the page. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move.
Bring this focus to a round
When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round. Keep the objective visible.
What you need to achieve
Make five or more connected stones horizontally, vertically or diagonally. A full board without a line is a draw. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. The example below illustrates a decision.
A walkthrough of the rules
- 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.
Getting comfortable with the controls
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Keep the playing area visible while using these controls. Make sure you are interacting with the game rather than the surrounding page.
One way to understand the rules
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.
A common point of confusion
This is freestyle Gomoku, not Renju: there are no special forbidden opening or double-three rules. Compare the situation with the worked example. Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board.
Game-specific help
While reading the Guide, what is the goal of Gomoku?
The key detail is this: Make five or more connected stones horizontally, vertically or diagonally. A full board without a line is a draw.
On this playing page, how do I control Gomoku?
The key detail is this: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
When I return, what example helps explain Gomoku?
Four consecutive stones with an empty point at both ends creates two possible finishing moves.
While learning, what should I watch out for in Gomoku?
Here is the relevant explanation: 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?
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?
For clarity: The mode on this page is Same-device two players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
