Gomoku
Gomoku: quick guide and game info
Get ready for an intense strategy battle with Gomoku, also known as Five in a Row. This classic abstract game challenges you to be the first to place five stones in a straight line on a grid. It is simple to learn yet deep enough to keep you hooked for hours.
On our site you can choose between a 13×13 or the traditional 15×15 board. Play against our smart AI opponents: laid back Marty (Easy), strategic Sensei (Medium), or the formidable Shodan (Hard). Select your format, one off, best of 3, or best of 5 and even pick whether you want to play as Black or White (Black always goes first).
game layout and setup
Choose your preferred board size: 13×13 for faster games or 15×15 for the full classic experience.
- You place stones on the intersections of the grid.
- Black goes first.
- The board clearly shows whose turn it is (above the board to the right and above the board in mobile view) and highlights winning lines as soon as someone connects five.
Everything stays clean and simple so you can focus on strategy.
how to play Gomoku
Gomoku rules are straightforward:
- Players take turns placing one stone per turn on any empty intersection.
- Black starts first.
- The first player to form an unbroken line of five stones wins. Lines can run horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
- Play continues until someone wins or the board fills.
- Pick your board size, difficulty (Marty, Sensei, or Shodan), format (one off, best of 3, or best of 5), and color, then jump in!
how to win at Gomoku
Success in Gomoku comes down to careful planning and reading ahead:
- Create multiple threats at once so your opponent can only block one.
- Control the center early because it opens up more directions for your lines.
- Block your opponent quickly while building your own chains.
- On harder levels against Shodan you will need to think several moves deep.
- Start with Marty on the smaller board to learn, then move up in difficulty and board size as you improve.
a little bit of Gomoku history
Gomoku is believed to have originated in East Asia centuries ago and has long been associated with traditional strategy board gaming. Its name roughly translates to “five points” or “five in a row,” reflecting the game’s core objective.
The game became especially popular in Japan, China, and Korea before spreading worldwide through board game communities and digital gaming platforms.
Despite having very simple rules, Gomoku is known for its surprisingly deep strategy. Skilled players study opening patterns, defensive positioning, and long-term tactics much like in chess or Go.
Today, Gomoku remains one of the most respected connection strategy games, enjoyed by both casual players and serious competitive fans.
Want to play more board and dice games?
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Yatzy
Shut the Box
Pig (the dice game)
Four in a Row
