How to play Gomoku

Goal

Be the first player to place five or more of your stones in an unbroken line — horizontally, vertically, or diagonally — on the intersections of the 15×15 board.

Playing a turn

Black moves first. On your turn, place one stone on any empty intersection. Stones never move or get captured once placed.

Winning

The moment a placement completes a line of five or more, the game ends — blocked ends don't matter, only the count.

We play freestyle rules: lines longer than five (overlines) also win, and there are no restrictions on double open threes.

Draw

If all 225 intersections fill up with neither player completing a line, the game is a draw — rare, but it happens between careful players.

Modes here

Vs computer: pick a difficulty — easy learns with you, medium puts up a real fight, hard punishes loose play. You can play either color.

Pass & play: two players share one device, taking turns.