Gomoku
Place stones on a 15x15 grid and be the first to line up five in a row — simple to learn, sharp to master.
How to play
Gomoku is a classic five-in-a-row alignment game played on the intersections of a 15x15 grid. Black moves first, then players alternate placing one stone at a time on any empty point. Stones never move once placed, so every turn permanently shapes the board. The first player to form an unbroken line of five wins.
- Click any empty intersection to place your stone.
- Black always plays first; you can choose to play Black or White against the computer.
- Line up five or more of your stones horizontally, vertically, or diagonally to win.
- Free-style rules: there are no forbidden moves, and overlines of six or more also count.
- If the whole board fills with no five in a row, the game is a draw.
Game modes
- Vs computer: easy, medium, or hard, with wins ranked per difficulty.
- Hot-seat: two players alternate on one device.
- Online: create an invite, join with a code, or quick-match a live opponent.
Controls
- Desktop: move the mouse to preview a ghost stone, then click an empty intersection to place it.
- Phone & tablet: tap an empty intersection to drop your stone — the last move is marked for reference.
Tips & strategy
- Build an open three (a row of three with both ends free) to threaten two ways to make four at once.
- Always block an opponent's open four immediately — it becomes an unstoppable five next turn.
- Look for double threats that force a win, and keep your stones connected near the centre early.
Origins
Gomoku — 'five points', or five in a row — is a deceptively simple connection game with deep roots in East Asia, played for centuries on the lines of a Go board. Refined in Japan, where a tournament form known as renju added rules to balance the first player's advantage, it spread worldwide as one of the most accessible of all strategy games.
About Gomoku
Gomoku is a traditional five-in-a-row stone game enjoyed for generations across East Asia. This is an original, free browser version with selectable sides, three CPU difficulties, hot-seat, and live online play — no download or account required.
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