Gomoku Online - Play Five in a Row Game Free

What is Gomoku?

Gomoku, also known as Five in a Row, is a classic strategy board game that originated in ancient China. The objective is simple yet challenging: be the first player to get five of your stones in a row, either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. This timeless game combines easy-to-learn rules with deep strategic gameplay that has captivated players for centuries.

Our online Gomoku platform brings this beloved game to the digital age, allowing you to play against sophisticated AI opponents or challenge friends from around the world. Whether you're a beginner learning the basics or an expert honing your skills, our platform provides the perfect environment to enjoy this engaging strategy game.

Complete Gomoku Rules Guide

1. Basic Game Setup

Gomoku is played on a 15×15 grid board with 225 intersection points. Players use black and white stones, with black stones traditionally going first. The board is initially empty, and players take turns placing one stone per turn on any empty intersection.

2. Official Gomoku Rules

The standard gomoku rules are simple: be the first to get exactly five stones in a row. The line can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. Six or more stones in a row do not count as a win in tournament play, though casual games often allow this.

3. Turn Order and Placement

Black always moves first, giving them a slight advantage. Players alternate turns, and once a stone is placed, it cannot be moved or removed. Stones must be placed on intersection points, not in the squares.

4. Winning Conditions

A player wins by creating an unbroken line of exactly five stones. The winning line must be straight - no bent or curved lines count. If the board fills up without either player achieving five in a row, the game is declared a draw.

5. Professional Tournament Rules

In professional play, additional rules may apply such as the "swap rule" or "pie rule" to balance the first-player advantage. Some tournaments use opening restrictions to prevent memorized sequences from dominating play.

6. Forbidden Moves (Renju Rules)

In Renju (professional Gomoku), black has restrictions: no double-three, double-four, or overlines (six or more). These rules balance the first-player advantage but are not used in casual Gomoku games.

Gomoku Strategy Tips

Control the Center

Starting near the center gives you more opportunities to create winning combinations in multiple directions.

Create Multiple Threats

Force your opponent to defend against multiple potential winning lines simultaneously.

Block Opponent's Fours

Always block when your opponent has four in a row, as they will win on their next turn otherwise.

Look for Forks

Create situations where you have two ways to win, making it impossible for your opponent to block both.

Build Connected Stones

Keep your stones connected and avoid isolated pieces. Connected stones create more opportunities for winning combinations.

Think Ahead

Always consider your opponent's next move. Plan 2-3 moves ahead and anticipate their defensive strategies.

Game Features

🤖 AI Opponents

Challenge AI with multiple difficulty levels, from beginner-friendly to expert-level gameplay.

🌐 Online Multiplayer

Play with friends or strangers worldwide using our peer-to-peer connection system.

🔒 Private Rooms

Create password-protected rooms for private games with friends.

💡 Hints & Analysis

Get strategic hints and analyze your gameplay to improve your skills.

📱 Responsive Design

Play seamlessly on desktop, tablet, or mobile devices with our adaptive interface.

🎯 No Registration

Jump straight into the game without creating accounts or downloading software.

Gomoku vs Other Games

Game	Board Size	Objective	Complexity
Gomoku	15×15	Five in a row	Medium
Tic-tac-toe	3×3	Three in a row	Low
Connect Four	7×6	Four in a row	Medium
Go	19×19	Territory control	Very High

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gomoku the same as Go?

No, while both games use black and white stones on a grid, they have different objectives. Gomoku aims to get five in a row, while Go focuses on territory control and stone capture.

Can I play Gomoku on mobile devices?

Yes! Our responsive design ensures smooth gameplay on smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers.

Do I need to create an account?

No registration required! You can start playing immediately against AI or create/join online rooms.

What's the difference between difficulty levels?

Easy AI makes mostly random moves with some strategy, Medium uses minimax algorithm with basic evaluation, Hard employs advanced Alpha-Beta pruning with deep search, and Expert uses sophisticated algorithms with enhanced pattern recognition for the most challenging gameplay.

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