THE PLAYBOOK · XQIN8
Your guide to Gomoku
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. Look at what changes after your first action. Make your first input carefully and watch the result. Look at what changes after your first action.
Try a more deliberate round
When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round. Make the next step deliberately.
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. Return to the instructions when a step is unclear.
Work through the instructions
- Player 1 places the first stone on an empty intersection.
- Player 2 places a stone and turns alternate.
- Look for open lines and block your opponent’s threats.
- A winning line immediately ends the round.
Using the playing area
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Keep the playing area visible while using these controls. Look at the feedback after the action.
One way to understand the rules
Four consecutive stones with an empty point at both ends creates two possible finishing moves. Focus on why the action is allowed, not only its outcome. Verify the rule before continuing.
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. Read one step at a time and try it on the playing area. Match the instruction to the control you use.
Common questions
As a new player, what is the goal of Gomoku?
The key detail is this: Make five or more connected stones horizontally, vertically or diagonally. A full board without a line is a draw.
On this playing page, how do I control Gomoku?
For clarity: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
Before I begin, what example helps explain Gomoku?
Keep this in mind: 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?
Here is the relevant explanation: This is freestyle Gomoku, not Renju: there are no special forbidden opening or double-three rules.
While reading the Guide, 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.
For a quick reminder, 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.