About Gomoku
Gomoku is a classic strategy game from East Asia, usually played with Go stones on a 15×15 board. It is easy to learn and full of tactics.
Gomoku at a glance
| Genre | Multiplayer game |
|---|---|
| Price | Free, no download or sign-up |
| Controls | Tap, online or on one device |
| Typical game length | 5 to 20 minutes |
| Lives | None |
| Works on | Phones, tablets and computers, in any modern browser |
| Daily challenge | Yes, the same puzzle for everyone each day |
How to play Gomoku
- Choose a mode. Pick how to play: Online with friends (create a room and share the link), Pass & play on one device, or vs Computer.
- Place a stone. Tap any empty point.
- Make five in a row. In any direction.
Rules
- Player 1 plays black and goes first.
- Online rooms hold 2 players. Moves appear instantly on every player's screen.
Levels and difficulty
2 players.
Scoring
Winning a game scores 1,000 points, a draw 300 and taking part 100. Share your result with the people you played. Daily challenge scores can be shared with friends.
Tips and strategy for Gomoku
- Build open threes, which are open at both ends.
- Block your opponent's open threes immediately.
History of the game
Gomoku has been played in Japan for centuries, where it is known as gomokunarabe.
How we built and tested Gomoku
We tested every rule by having the computer play thousands of moves against itself at each player count, making sure every game ends properly and no illegal move is ever accepted. Online rooms were tested with two simulated players joining the same room and taking turns.
Frequently asked questions
What board size is used?
15×15.
How do I play with a friend online?
Choose "Play online with friends", then share the room link or code on WhatsApp. When your friend opens it, they join your room and you can start.
Do my friends need an account?
No. Guests are signed in anonymously in the background, so anyone with the link can join.