About Gomoku
Gomoku, also called five in a row, is a classic strategy game from East Asia played on the intersections of a 15×15 board. Players take turns placing a stone, and the first to line up five in a row horizontally, vertically or diagonally wins. It plays like a much bigger, much deeper tic-tac-toe.
The secret is the double threat: an open four can't be blocked from both ends, and two open threes at once usually win. You play black and move first. The easy computer lets some threats slip, while the hard one attacks and defends with real patterns. Faster wins score more points.
How to play
- Tap any intersection to place a black stone.
- Line up five stones in any direction to win.
- Watch for the computer's open threes and fours and block them early.
- Win in fewer moves for a higher score.
About Gomoku
Gomoku, whose name means five pieces in Japanese, is played on the intersections of a Go board. The rule could not be simpler, five in a row wins, but the battle of threats and blocks is surprisingly deep.
Tips to score higher
- An open four (free at both ends) cannot be blocked; build towards it.
- Two open threes at once usually win the game.
- Block your rival's open threes immediately.
- Play near the centre; edges limit your lines.
Gomoku FAQ
Do six in a row count?
Yes, five or more in a row wins in our version.
Who moves first?
Black always plays first, and that is you against the computer.
Try next: Tic-Tac-Toe, Connect Four and Nine Men's Morris.
