Play Gomoku Online Free - Five in a Row Board Game
What Is Gomoku?
Gomoku, also called Five in a Row, is a classic abstract strategy game from East Asia: two players alternate placing black and white stones on a board, and the first to line up five of their own stones in a row — horizontally, vertically or diagonally — wins. It looks like a simplified Go but has its own deep tactics, and here you can play it against a friend or the computer, free in your browser.
How to Play Gomoku
- Black plays first. The black player places a stone on any empty intersection of the board, and the players then alternate turns.
- Build your line. Your goal is five of your own stones in an unbroken row — horizontal, vertical or diagonal all count.
- Watch both offence and defence. Every move should either grow your own threat or block your opponent's; ignoring their line to chase your own is the fastest way to lose.
- Win by five, or draw on a full board. The first player to five in a row wins. If the board fills with no five in a row, the game is a draw.
Gomoku Rules at a Glance
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Board | 15×15 grid — stones go on intersections |
| Players | 2 — Black and White, alternating |
| First move | Black plays first |
| Win condition | 5 stones in a row — horizontal, vertical or diagonal |
| Draw | Board fills with no five in a row |
| Game modes | 2P pass-and-play + vs AI (you are Black) |
| Cost & access | Free, no download, no sign-up |
Strategy Tips
- Control the centre. A stone near the middle has the most directions to grow a line, so opening in or near the centre is standard.
- Build two threats at once. A fork — two lines each one stone short of five — is almost impossible to block, so force one whenever you can.
- Block the live three early. A live three has both ends open and becomes an unstoppable four; answer it the moment it appears instead of after it grows.
- Count ahead. Play the next two or three moves in your head and have a counter ready for your opponent's most dangerous reply.
Gomoku FAQ
What is the board size?
Gomoku uses a 15×15 grid — 15 rows by 15 columns — with stones placed on the intersections rather than inside the squares.
What is the difference between Gomoku and Go?
Go is played on a 19×19 board and the goal is to surround territory. Gomoku uses 15×15 and the goal is simply five in a row — which makes it faster to learn and quicker to play.
Does the AI cheat?
No. The AI uses a simple heuristic: it tries to win first, then blocks your win, then scores candidate moves by the stones around them. It plays honestly and is beatable with practice.