Strategy Game

Gomoku

Get five in a row to win! Also known as Five in a Row or Gobang.

You (Black)
VS
AI (White)

Gomoku

Place five stones in a row to win! You play as Black and move first.

Games: 0Wins: 0Win Streak: 0

Click on the board to place your stone. Get five in a row to win!

About Gomoku

Gomoku is one of the world's oldest and most beloved strategy board games. With origins tracing back over 4,000 years to ancient China, this game has captivated players across cultures with its elegant simplicity and surprising strategic depth.

The name "Gomoku" comes from Japanese, meaning "five points." The game is also known by many other names including "Five in a Row," "Gobang," "Wuziqi" (Chinese), and "Omok" (Korean). It's played on a 15x15 grid, similar to a Go board, with players taking turns placing stones.

What makes Gomoku fascinating is the balance between offense and defense. You must simultaneously build your own winning sequences while blocking your opponent's threats. The game rewards pattern recognition, forward thinking, and the ability to create multiple threats at once.

How to Play Gomoku

1

Place Your Stone

Click on any intersection on the board to place your black stone. You always move first.

2

Take Turns

You and the AI alternate placing stones. Once placed, stones cannot be moved or removed.

3

Build Sequences

Try to get five of your stones in a row horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

4

Win the Game

The first player to get exactly five stones in a row wins! The winning line will be highlighted.

Gomoku Tips & Strategies

  1. 1.
    Control the center: Starting near the center gives you the most options for expanding in any direction.
  2. 2.
    Create multiple threats: The key to winning is creating positions where you threaten to win in two directions at once.
  3. 3.
    Block early: Don't let your opponent build long sequences. Block threats when they reach three in a row.
  4. 4.
    Open fours win games: An "open four" (four in a row with both ends empty) is unstoppable - always aim for this.
  5. 5.
    Think ahead: Plan your moves several turns in advance. Consider how your opponent will respond to each move.

Benefits of Playing Gomoku

Strategic Thinking

Develop planning and tactical analysis skills through pattern recognition.

Quick Games

Games typically last 5-15 minutes, perfect for short mental exercises.

Easy to Learn

Simple rules make it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels.

Concentration

Improves focus and attention to detail as you track multiple patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gomoku

Gomoku, also known as 'Five in a Row' or 'Gobang,' is an ancient board game originating from Japan. Two players take turns placing stones (black and white) on a grid, with the goal of getting exactly five stones in a row horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
Click on any intersection on the board to place your black stone. You and the AI opponent take turns. The first player to get five stones in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) wins. Black always moves first.
The best opening strategy is to play in or near the center of the board. This gives you the most flexibility for creating threats in multiple directions. Avoid playing near the edges early in the game as it limits your options.
Focus on creating multiple threats simultaneously - when you have two ways to make five in a row, the opponent can only block one. Look for opportunities to create 'open fours' (four in a row with both ends open) which cannot be blocked.
While both use the same board style, they're completely different games. Go involves capturing territory and surrounding opponent stones, while Gomoku is about getting exactly five stones in a row. Gomoku is simpler to learn but still offers deep strategic gameplay.
Need a tool? Ask us!