Gomoku: The Timeless Five in a Row Game
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What is Gomoku?
Gomoku (Japanese: 五目並べ, literally "five points"), also known as Five in a Row, Gobang, or Wuziqi (五子棋) in Chinese, is one of the world's oldest and most beloved abstract strategy games. Dating back over 4,000 years, this elegant game has captivated minds across cultures and generations.
The game is traditionally played with Go pieces (black and white stones) on a 15×15 or 19×19 grid. Two players take turns placing one stone of their color on an empty intersection. The objective is simple yet profound: be the first to form an unbroken chain of exactly five stones horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
How to Play Gomoku
Basic Rules
- Black plays first - The player with black stones makes the opening move.
- Alternate turns - Players take turns placing one stone at a time on any empty intersection.
- No moving stones - Once placed, stones cannot be moved or removed.
- Win condition - First player to get exactly five stones in a row wins.
- Draw - If the board fills up with no winner, the game is a draw.
Why Play Gomoku Online at Gomoku.com?
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Gomoku Strategy Guide
While Gomoku's rules are simple, mastering the game requires strategic thinking. Here are essential tactics used by experienced players:
1. Control the Center
The center of the board offers the most possibilities for creating winning lines in any direction. Opening in or near the center gives you flexibility and forces your opponent to react.
2. Create Open Threes
An "open three" is three stones in a row with empty spaces on both ends. This formation is powerful because your opponent cannot block both sides in one move, setting you up for an unstoppable four.
3. Build Double Threats
The key to winning is creating two threats simultaneously. If you can create two open threes at once (called a "double-three" or "fork"), your opponent cannot block both, guaranteeing your victory.
4. Always Block Four
If your opponent has four in a row (even with one end blocked), you must block immediately—otherwise, they win on their next move. This defensive awareness is crucial.
5. Think Ahead
Like chess, Gomoku rewards players who think several moves ahead. Before placing your stone, consider how your opponent will respond and plan your follow-up moves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gomoku?
Gomoku, also known as Five in a Row, is an abstract strategy board game where two players take turns placing stones on a grid. The first player to form an unbroken line of five stones horizontally, vertically, or diagonally wins the game. It originated in ancient China and Japan.
How do you win at Gomoku?
To win at Gomoku, you must place five of your stones in an unbroken row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) before your opponent does. Key strategies include controlling the center, creating multiple threats simultaneously (forks), and always blocking your opponent's four-in-a-row formations.
Is Gomoku the same as Go?
No, Gomoku and Go are different games. While both use the same board and stones, Go involves capturing territory by surrounding your opponent's stones, whereas Gomoku is about creating a line of five stones. Gomoku has simpler rules and much shorter games, making it more accessible to beginners.
Can I play Gomoku online for free?
Yes! You can play Gomoku online for free at Gomoku.com. The site offers games against AI opponents of varying difficulty levels, as well as multiplayer options to play against friends or other players worldwide—no download or registration required.
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