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5AICAKE

RULES & PRACTICE

How to Play Gomoku

Play Gomoku ↗

Game guide · 5AICAKE

Gomoku: a guide for your next round

Try Gomoku at your own pace and keep its objective in view. Make five or more connected stones horizontally, vertically or diagonally. A full board without a line is a draw. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move. Treat the first round as a chance to learn the controls. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.

Build familiarity through play

Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal. Make the next step deliberately.

The objective of a round

Make five or more connected stones horizontally, vertically or diagonally. A full board without a line is a draw. An attractive position is not enough unless the goal is met. Check the rules when you are unsure.

Start here and follow along

  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.

Getting comfortable with the controls

Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Read a button’s label before selecting it. Look at the feedback after the action.

An example before you play

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 controls nearby.

Check this before moving on

This is freestyle Gomoku, not Renju: there are no special forbidden opening or double-three rules. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board.

Common questions

For this browser game, what is the goal of Gomoku?

Here is the relevant explanation: Make five or more connected stones horizontally, vertically or diagonally. A full board without a line is a draw.

Before I begin, how do I control Gomoku?

Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.

While reading the Guide, what example helps explain Gomoku?

Four consecutive stones with an empty point at both ends creates two possible finishing moves.

Before I begin, what should I watch out for in Gomoku?

Keep this in mind: 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?

Here is the relevant explanation: Play using the same-device two players mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.

When I return, which play mode does Gomoku use?

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

Before I begin, where should I start with Gomoku?

For clarity: Player 1 places the first stone on an empty intersection.

When I return, 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.

For this browser game, how can I find Gomoku again?

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

As a new player, how do I report an issue with Gomoku?

The key detail is this: 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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