Game Rules
Gomoku has existed in Japan since the Meiji Restoration.
The name "gomoku" is from the Japanese language, in which it is referred to as gomokunarabe (五目並べ).
Go means five, moku is a counter word for pieces and narabe means line-up. The game is popular in China, where it is called Wuziqi (五子棋).
Wu (五 wǔ) means five, zi (子 zǐ) means piece, and qi (棋 qí) refers to a board game category in Chinese.
The game is also popular in Korea, where it is called omok (오목 [五目]) which has the same structure and origin as the Japanese name.
In the nineteenth century, the game was introduced to Britain where it was known as Go Bang, said to be a corruption of the Japanese word goban, which was itself adapted from the Chinese k'i pan (qí pán) "go-board."
Players alternate turns placing a stone of their color on an empty intersection. Black plays first.
The winner is the first player to form an unbroken chain of five stones horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
Placing so that a line of more than five stones of the same color is created does not result in a win.
Players alternate turns placing a stone of their color on an empty intersection.
Black plays first.
The winner is the first player to form an unbroken chain of five stones horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
Placing so that a line of more than five stones of the same color is created does not result in a win. These are called overlines.
Aim for 5 pieces in a row to win the game. To win, you must be the first player to create an unbroken line of 5 of your stones. The line can go in any direction: horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
While rules sometimes vary, the standard variation of Gomoku specifies that winning lines must be exactly 5 stones and no more. Rows of 6 or more pieces are called “overlines” and do not count.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gomoku
FAQ
What does “overline” mean?
An “overline” is a line with more than five stones of the same color in a row—horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. In some variations of Gomoku, it does not count as a win if the line is longer than five.
Who starts the game?
Usually, the player with the black stones starts. Black has the “first move,” which can be an advantage.
Does the winning line have to be exactly five stones?
Yes, in the standard rules the goal is to form exactly a line of five stones. If there are six or more, it counts as an overline (which does not count as a win).
Tips & Tricks
Strategies for Victory: How to Become a Stronger Gomoku Player
Gomoku – also known as “Five in a Row” – may look simple at first, but true masters know that victory often depends on the smallest details. It’s not enough to just place stones in a row; you need to anticipate your opponent’s moves, plan ahead, and take advantage of every opportunity.
1. Control the Center of the Board
The opening moves are crucial. Placing stones in the center gives you more options for future moves. Unlike the edges or corners, the center allows you to build lines in all four directions.
2. Think Several Moves Ahead
Strong players don’t focus only on the current move. Every stone should be part of a bigger plan. Before placing it, try to imagine what your opponent will do – and how you will respond.
3. Attack and Defend at the Same Time
While building your own row, always keep an eye on your opponent. The best moves often strengthen your position while blocking your opponent’s progress.
4. Block Threats Immediately
Once your opponent creates four stones in a row, you have just one chance to stop them. Learn to quickly recognize dangerous situations and react without hesitation.
5. Use “Double Threats”
The most powerful strategy is to build in a way that forces your opponent to choose which threat to block – when they can’t stop both at once. If you manage to create two open rows of four stones, victory is practically guaranteed.
6. Avoid Overlines
In some variations, rows longer than five stones don’t count as a win. Be careful not to accidentally exceed exactly five in a row.
7. Practice Pattern Recognition
The more you play, the faster you’ll recognize common combinations – threes, fours, blocks, and traps. Being able to spot these patterns quickly is one of the biggest advantages of experienced players.
👉 To truly become a strong Gomoku player, knowing the rules isn’t enough – you need to practice and analyze your games. Every match is a chance to learn something new and move one step closer to mastering Gomoku.
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