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XINLIANSHOP

RULES & PRACTICE

How to Play Gomoku

Play Gomoku ↗

Game guide · XINLIANSHOP

Gomoku: a guide for your next round

Take a moment with Gomoku before moving to another game. Make five or more connected stones horizontally, vertically or diagonally. A full board without a line is a draw. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions. Treat the first round as a chance to learn the controls. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.

Take a closer look while playing

Take enough time to read a new position. If a game has a timer, learn its controls first rather than searching for them during the round. Notice the feedback after each input.

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. Check the rules when you are unsure.

Making your moves

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

Making selections and moves

Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Read a button’s label before selecting it. Avoid pressing the same control repeatedly while a move is being processed.

An example to follow

Four consecutive stones with an empty point at both ends creates two possible finishing moves. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Keep the game’s format in mind.

Check this before moving on

This is freestyle Gomoku, not Renju: there are no special forbidden opening or double-three rules. Compare the situation with the worked example. After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again.

Further help with the game

Before I begin, what is the goal of Gomoku?

Keep this in mind: Make five or more connected stones horizontally, vertically or diagonally. A full board without a line is a draw.

For a quick reminder, how do I control Gomoku?

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

For my first round, what example helps explain Gomoku?

Here is the relevant explanation: 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?

For clarity: This is freestyle Gomoku, not Renju: there are no special forbidden opening or double-three rules.

For my first round, what format does Gomoku offer?

Keep this in mind: Play using the same-device two players mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.

For my first round, which play mode does Gomoku use?

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

When I return, where should I start with Gomoku?

Player 1 places the first stone on an empty intersection.

On this playing page, do I need an account or a payment for Gomoku?

Keep this in mind: No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.

While learning, how can I find Gomoku again?

Use the Games list or save this game page in your browser bookmarks. The Guide is linked from the playing page.

For this browser game, how do I report an issue with Gomoku?

Keep this in mind: Use the contact form and include the game name, browser, device and the actions that led to the issue. Do not send passwords or payment details.

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