- Board: 15×15 (official tournaments use 15×15)
- First Player: Black
- Victory: 5 in a row vertically/horizontally/diagonally
- Modes: Free Play or Renju (black only forbidden: three-three/four-four/overline)
What is Gomoku?
Gomoku is a simple yet deeply strategic game where the goal is to get five stones in a row - vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. Also known as Renju in competitive play, this classic strategy game is beloved worldwide. Easy rules, but deep strategic thinking!
Game Time
5-20 minutes
Difficulty
Easy to learn, instantly enjoyable
Players
Classic game loved worldwide
Super Simple Rules
🎮 This is all you need to remember!
Take turns placing one stone each, get 5 in a row vertically, horizontally, or diagonally to win
15×15 board is most enjoyable (19×19 also works)
Black moves first
Start with "Free Play": 6 or more in a row also wins (no complex forbidden moves)
Gomoku Board
Black (●) has 4 stones diagonally. Place one more bottom-right to win with 5!
Free Play vs Renju (Forbidden Moves)
Beginners should start with Free Play (no forbidden moves). Competitive Renju has the following forbidden moves for black (first player) only:
- Three-Three: Creating two "threes" simultaneously
- Four-Four: Creating two "fours" simultaneously
- Overline: 6 or more in a row (invalid/losing move)
※ Tournaments use 15×15 boards with special opening rules (e.g., Swap/Swap2, etc.)
3 Principles of Winning
1️⃣ Create "Two Threats at Once"
Rather than extending just one line, create a position where "you have two ways to win on your next move".
Why is this powerful?
Your opponent can only block one threat, leaving the other open for your victory.
2️⃣ Aim for "Open Four"
Open four = Guaranteed win pattern!
Why is this the strongest?
You can win by placing on either end. Your opponent can only block one side. Highest priority target!
3️⃣ Create "Branches" Instead of Straight Lines
Building straight lines of four is easily blocked at the ends.
Effective methods:
- After 3 in a row, branch out (L-shaped expansion)
- Skip one space (stepping stone strategy)
- Create multiple paths to confuse opponent
Defense (Follow these to avoid instant defeat)
🛡️ Essential Defense Basics
Highest Priority
Always block opponent's "open four". Missing this means instant defeat.
Important
Occupy "crossroads" where opponent might create two threats at once.
Basic
For blocked fours, only need to block the open end.
Common Mistakes & Fixes
❌ Obsessing with single lines
Focusing only on straight lines makes them easy to block.
Fix: Prioritize branching patterns.
❌ Missing opponent's "open four"
The most dangerous pattern that leads to instant defeat.
Fix: Check for this every turn as a habit.
⚠️ Playing only at edges
Starting from edges limits expansion directions.
Fix: Start near center for more options.
💡 Forgetting pre-game agreements
Conflicts can arise over forbidden move rules.
Fix: Simply ask "Free play OK?" before starting.
Quick Improvement Practice (5 minutes is enough)
🏋️ Effective Practice Menu
📈 Offensive Practice
- Create 3 stones near center
- Practice aiming for 4th stone from two directions
- Be conscious of "branching" patterns
🛡️ In-Game Checklist
- ① Does opponent have "open four"?
- ② Can I create two threats?
- Checking these two points every turn = dramatic improvement!
Want to learn other strategy games? Complete Shogi Rules Guide is also recommended.
Practical Battle Tactics
🎯 Offensive Tactics
- Fork Attack: Create multiple threats in one move
- Continuous Attack: Don't give opponent time to defend
- Center Control: Dominate the middle area
- Diagonal Utilization: Actively use diagonal lines
🛡️ Defensive Tactics
- Key Point Control: Occupy important intersections
- Opponent Plan Prevention: Block threats early
- Counter-attack Preparation: Defend while preparing offense
- Space Management: Limit opponent's expansion
⚖️ Decision Criteria
- Threat Assessment: Judge which is more urgent
- Move Value: Consider both offensive and defensive effects
- Reading Ahead: Look several moves ahead
- Pattern Beauty: Aim for efficient placement
Summary (Just remember these action guidelines)
Gomoku Victory Principles
Attack
Two threats → Open four → Victory
Defense
Block opponent's open four with highest priority
Positioning
Near center + Create branching patterns
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do 6 or more stones in a row count as a win?
- In Free Play, yes. 6 or more stones also win. However, in official Renju rules, 6 stones may be invalid.
- Who moves first?
- Black moves first. Generally, the player with black stones makes the opening move.
- What board size is best?
- 15×15 is the most enjoyable size. 19×19 (Go board) is also fun to play.
- What are forbidden moves?
- In official Renju rules, black (first player) has forbidden moves like three-three, four-four, and overline (6+ stones). Beginners should start with Free Play.
- Quick tips for getting stronger?
- Develop the habit of checking "Does opponent have open four?" and "Can I create two threats?" every move.
Master Gomoku!
You've learned all the winning strategies for Gomoku! 🎉
Try VSPocket's Gomoku to practice your new knowledge. Enjoy the deep strategy hidden within these simple rules and improve your reading and judgment skills!
Path to Mastery:
- 🎯 Always aim for two threats - Create multiple winning opportunities in one move
- 🔥 Never miss open four - Most important pattern for both offense and defense
- 🏢 Start from center - Keep maximum possibilities open
- 🌿 Create branches - Use complex patterns, not just straight lines
- 👁️ Read opponent's plans - Defense is as important as offense
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