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Gomoku

Five in a Row

AI:
Play as:
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Turn:Black (You)
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Play Gomoku Online

Play Gomoku (Five in a Row) for free in your browser--no download needed. Place stones on a 15x15 board and try to get five in a row before the computer does. Choose from multiple AI difficulty levels to match your skill, from casual beginner to serious strategist.

How to Play

  1. You play as Black and go first. Click any intersection on the 15x15 board to place your stone.
  2. The computer plays as White and responds with its own move.
  3. Alternate turns placing one stone each until someone gets exactly five stones in a row.
  4. Win by connecting five of your stones in an unbroken line--horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
  5. Choose a difficulty level before starting. Higher difficulties make the AI look further ahead and play more aggressively.

Rules

  • The board is 15x15 with intersections where stones are placed.
  • Black always moves first.
  • Players alternate turns, placing one stone per turn on any empty intersection.
  • Stones cannot be moved or removed once placed.
  • The first player to form an unbroken line of exactly five stones (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) wins.
  • If the board fills up with no five-in-a-row, the game is a draw.

Tips and Strategy

  • Control the center. Stones near the middle of the board have more potential lines, giving you more ways to win.
  • Build open-ended lines. A row of three or four stones with both ends open is very hard to defend against.
  • Block early. If the opponent has three in a row with an open end, block immediately or you may not get another chance.
  • Think two threats at once. The strongest position is one where you threaten to complete five in two different directions at the same time, forcing the opponent to choose which to block.
  • Watch diagonals. New players often focus on horizontal and vertical lines but miss diagonal threats.

FAQ

What is the difference between Gomoku and Go?

Gomoku and Go are played on similar-looking boards, but they are completely different games. In Gomoku you win by getting five in a row. In Go you win by surrounding territory. Gomoku is much simpler to learn.

Can I play Gomoku online for free without downloading anything?

Yes. This is a free browser game that runs on any device. No app, no sign-up--just open the page and play.

How difficult is the AI?

The AI ranges from beginner-friendly to quite challenging. On the hardest setting it looks several moves ahead and will punish mistakes quickly, making it a good training partner.