Gomoku Online - Free Five in a Row Game

What is Gomoku?

Gomoku, also known as Five in a Row, is a classic strategy board game that originated in ancient China thousands of years ago. With our online Gomoku platform, you can play anytime, anywhere without downloading any software. This web-based Gomoku game supports both player-vs-player and player-vs-AI modes.

Game Features

• Play Online - No download required, start playing instantly
• Dual Game Modes - Play against AI or with a friend
• Smart AI - Challenging AI opponent in single-player mode
• Cross-Platform - Perfect on mobile, tablet, and desktop
• Helpful Features - Undo and hint functions available
• Completely Free - Free forever, no ads

How to Play Gomoku?

Playing Gomoku online is simple. The game uses a 15×15 board, and black and white players take turns placing stones. The first player to form an unbroken line of five stones horizontally, vertically, or diagonally wins.

Basic Controls

• Place Stone: Click on the board intersection to place your stone
• Undo: Click the "Undo" button to take back your last move
• Hint: Click the "Hint" button for suggested move positions
• Reset: Click the 🔄 button to start a new game

Game Rules

1. Black Plays First: Each game starts with the black player
2. Alternating Turns: Players take turns placing one stone per turn
3. Five in a Row Wins: First to create an unbroken line of five stones wins
4. No Moving: Once placed, stones cannot be moved (use undo to retract)
5. Draw: If the board fills with no winner, the game is a draw

Game Modes

Basic Strategies

1. Opening Strategy

• Center Opening: Place first stone in center (Tengen) for best position
• Star Points: Develop around central area for board control
• Avoid Edges: Beginners should avoid early edge plays due to limited space

2. Offensive Tactics

• Open Three: Three stones in a row with both ends open - very threatening
• Open Four: Four stones with both ends open - next move wins
• Double Three: Create two open threes simultaneously - opponent can't defend both
• Four-Three: Combine an open four and open three - winning position

3. Defensive Points

• Priority Defense: Must immediately defend against opponent's open three or four
• Break Connections: Prevent opponent from forming continuous threats
• Control Center: Occupy central board areas to limit opponent's development
• Attack While Defending: Look for counter-attack opportunities while defending

4. Advanced Techniques

• First Move Advantage: Black (first player) has theoretical advantage - use it well
• VCF Tactics: Victory by Continuous Four - force wins through sequential threats
• VCT Tactics: Victory by Continuous Threats using threes and fours
• Forbidden Moves: Learn professional rules to avoid illegal plays (in tournaments)

Common Formations

Tips for Improvement

1. Practice Regularly: Gain experience through many games, learn patterns
2. Review Games: Analyze completed games to understand mistakes
3. Study Joseki: Learn classic opening and middlegame patterns
4. Watch Experts: Observe high-level games to learn advanced ideas
5. Think Globally: Don't just look locally - maintain whole board awareness
6. Play Patiently: Think carefully about each move, avoid hasty plays

Why Choose Our Online Gomoku?

Our Gomoku web game is carefully designed and optimized for smooth gameplay. Beautiful board rendering, intelligent AI opponents, and helpful features provide pure Gomoku enjoyment. Whether you're a beginner or experienced player, find your perfect match here.

FAQ