Gomoku

Browser Controls

• Place a Stone: Click or tap an empty point on the board to place your stone. In Play Solo you take black and always move first.
• Undo: Made a mistake? Hit Undo to take back a move - handy while you are learning the game.
• Modes: Play Solo faces you against Scout the fox (ELO 900). Play Together lets two players take turns on the same screen.

Special Rules

• Five in a Row Wins: The first player to form an unbroken line of five stones - horizontally, vertically, or diagonally - wins the game.
• Stones Never Move: Once a stone is placed it stays put. The board only fills up, so every move permanently shapes the fight.
• Black Moves First: Black has the first-move advantage, and in Play Solo you are black - use that tempo to set the pace.

Winning Patterns

• Build Open Threes: Three stones in a row with both ends open forces your opponent to respond - chain threats together to take control.
• Never Ignore a Four: If your opponent has four in a row with an open end, block it immediately or the game ends next move.
• Watch the Diagonals: Most beginners miss diagonal lines. Scan all four directions before every move - for your threats and theirs.
• Create Double Threats: The classic winning pattern is two threats at once, so your opponent can only block one of them.