1. Objective
Be the first player to create an unbroken line of five stones horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
Gomoku Rules
Detailed rules and gameplay guidance for Gomoku.
2. Board and setup
Players take turns placing their own stones on empty intersections of the board. Stones do not move after being placed, and the board starts empty.
3. Turns
On each turn, place exactly one stone on any empty intersection. A move cannot overwrite an existing stone or be taken back after it is submitted.
4. Lines and threats
A winning line may run in any of the four straight directions. Create open-ended lines and double threats while blocking your opponent’s immediate winning patterns.
5. Occupied intersections
Only empty intersections can be selected. Stones remain fixed, so every placement permanently changes the lines available to both players.
6. Draws
If the board fills without either player making five in a row, the game ends in a draw.