Gomoku rules

It is a board game for two players who take turns in putting black and white stones on the board. Each players' goal is to create an unbroken row of five stones horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

Since the opening player (the one with black stones) has a significant advantage, an alternative ways of opening the game have been created which are supposed to eliminate the advantage of an opening player.

PRO

Opening of the game where the first player (black) puts his stone exactly in the middle of the board (H8). The second player has to put his stone right next to the first stone in any direction (thus having a maximum of 8 possible moves). The third stone has to be put at least 3 squares or more from the middle of the board. Only exactly five stones in a row win, rows of six or more, called overlines, do not count and the game continues.

PRO

SWAP

Opening of the game where the opening player puts first three stones (black, white and black) anywhere on the board and his opponent then chooses which color he wants to play. Thus the opening player should make sure that the first three stones are in an equal position for both colors. Only exactly five stones in a row win, rows of six or more, called overlines, do not count and the game continues.

SWAP

SWAP2

Opening of the game which is an extension of the SWAP variant. The opening player puts first three stones (black, white and black) anywhere on the board and his opponent then chooses either which color he wants to play or he can put two additional stones (white and black) on the board and let the opening player choose which color to play. Only exactly five stones in a row win, rows of six or more, called overlines, do not count and the game continues.

SWAP2

Playing board and stones

  • board is usually made of wood
  • the size is 15x15 squares
  • the stones are usually plastic or from glass
  • color of the stones is black and white
  • the stones are put on the intersections (not in the squares)

Time limit and ending of the game

  • time is measured with chess clocks
  • the time limit on most tournaments is set to 10 minutes per player for one game
  • the game ends as a draw either if the players agree on it or if the board is fully covered with stones
  • player who makes an unbroken row of exactly five stones in any direction wins the game