About the game
Play Gomoku (five in a row) online
Line up exactly five stones in a row before your rival does.
Play Gomoku, or five in a row, free in your browser: the computer, a friend on one screen, or invite a friend online with a link. Exactly five in a row wins.
Play vs the computer, pass the phone to a friend, invite a friend online, or play someone new. When nobody’s free, one of our robot players may step in. Free, in your browser, no sign-up.
How to play Gomoku
- 1Pick who you’re playing: the computer, a friend online with a room code, a friend on the same screen, or someone new with Quick match.
- 2Tap where two lines cross to put one of your stones there.
- 3Take turns, one stone each.
- 4Line up exactly five of your stones in a row, across, down or slanted, to win.
- 5Six or more in a row doesn't win, so play goes on.
Rules
- Gomoku, also called Gobang or five in a row, is played on a 13×13 board, one stone per turn on any empty point.
- Exactly five of your stones in a row wins: across, down or diagonal.
- Six or more in a row doesn't win, and the game goes on.
- No other restrictions: either player may make any line.
- If the board fills up and nobody has exactly five, it's a draw.
Gomoku questions
How do you win at Gomoku?
Get exactly five of your stones in a row: across, down or slanting. The winning shape is an open four, four in a row with both ends empty. Your opponent can only block one end.
Is Gomoku the same as five in a row?
Yes. Gomoku is also called five in a row or Gobang. You take turns placing one stone on any empty point.
Why doesn't six in a row win?
In our rules it has to be exactly five. Six or more doesn't count, and the game goes on, so check the ends of your line before you complete it.
How big is the board?
13 by 13 points. If the board fills up and nobody has exactly five, the game is a draw.
Can I play Gomoku with a friend online?
Yes. Tap Invite a friend and send them the link; when they open it you're in the same game. Or pass one phone or tablet between you.
How hard is the computer?
Three levels. Easy is mostly random, Medium picks the best spot it can see now, and Hard thinks a few moves ahead. Block every open three early against Hard.