Gomoku

🎮 How to Play Gomoku

Gomoku, also known as Five in a Row, is a classic strategy board game that originated in Japan.

• Players take turns placing black and white stones on the board intersections
• Black always goes first
• The first player to get exactly 5 stones in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) wins
• More than 5 in a row does not count as a win in standard rules

💡 Strategy Tips

• Control the center of the board
• Create multiple threats (forks) to force a win
• Block your opponent's open-ended lines of 3 or 4
• Build open-ended lines (spaces on both ends) for flexibility

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Gomoku and Renju?

Renju is a professional variant of Gomoku with additional restrictions for Black (the first player) to balance the game. In standard Gomoku, Black has no restrictions, while Renju prohibits certain opening patterns and winning formations for Black.

Can I play Gomoku online with friends?

Our Gomoku game includes a 2-player mode where you can play locally with a friend on the same device. Take turns placing stones on the board — perfect for quick matches during breaks.

What is the best opening strategy in Gomoku?

Starting in the center gives Black the strongest advantage. From there, aim to create forks — positions where you threaten to win in two different directions simultaneously, forcing your opponent to defend both.

How many stones are used in Gomoku?

Gomoku is traditionally played on a Go board (19×19) with black and white stones. In theory, up to 361 stones can be placed, but most games end well before the board is full — typically within 20-40 moves.