⚫ Five in a Row Online

Play Gomoku online with 2 players. Share a room code to compete with friends.

--- (Black·First player)
VS
--- (White·Second player)
Match starting!

way of playing (a game)

  • Create a room and share the code with your friend, or join a room by entering a code
  • The person who created the room (host) plays black (first player), the person who joined plays white (second player)
  • Click or tap the board to place a stone at the intersection
  • The first player to line up 5 stones in a row vertically, horizontally, or diagonally wins
  • A red dot is displayed at the center of the last stone placed

What is Gomoku?

Gomoku is an ancient strategy game where two players alternate placing stones on a 15×15 grid, racing to connect five stones in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally). Unlike chess, Gomoku requires relatively simple rules but demands sophisticated tactical thinking. This online version lets you challenge friends in real-time without downloads or accounts.

How to Use

Create a room or join one using a room code shared by your opponent. The interface displays the game board with an empty 15×15 grid. Click any intersection to place your stone. The game alternates turns automatically—your opponent receives a notification with a link and room code. Turn order is indicated at the top of the screen. Games typically last 5-15 minutes depending on player experience.

Use Cases

• Quick strategy sessions during breaks—play multiple games with coworkers without leaving your browser
• Teaching beginners: interactive gameplay teaches defensive and offensive patterns better than static tutorials
• International competition: connect with players worldwide using simple room codes, perfect for casual tournaments
• Practice platforms: regulars can compete to improve their tactical vision and opening repertoires

Tips & Insights

Master the "open three" concept—threats that create two winning opportunities simultaneously. Defensive positioning matters as much as offense; blocking your opponent's potential wins is crucial. Early game positioning determines mid-game momentum. Pro players study opening patterns called "fuseki." The center control principle applies here: controlling the middle of the board generally provides more winning paths than edge play.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I battle with friends?

Click "Create Room" to generate a room code and share it with your friend. When they enter the code in "Join Room", the game starts.

How are first and second player determined?

The person who creates the room (host) plays black and goes first. The person who joins (guest) plays white and goes second.

What are the win conditions?

The first player to line up 5 stones of the same color vertically, horizontally, or diagonally wins.

What happens if the opponent disconnects?

If your opponent disconnects, you'll be notified. Reload the page and create a new room.

Can I undo moves during a game?

No, moves are permanent once played. This maintains fair competitive gameplay and prevents players from exploiting the ability to revise strategies. If you want to try a different approach, you must start a new game.

Is there a time limit for each move?

Moves are typically unlimited in real-time play, allowing players to think as long as needed. However, if your opponent becomes inactive for several minutes, they may be marked as disconnected and the game is forfeited.

Can the game end in a draw or tie?

Yes, if the entire 15×15 board fills without either player forming five in a row, the game is declared a draw. This outcome is less common than decisive wins but possible in well-matched games.

Does this work on mobile and tablets?

Yes, the game is fully responsive and works on smartphones and tablets with touch controls. Simply tap on grid intersections to place your pieces.

What browsers are supported?

Gomoku Online works on all modern browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. For optimal performance, use a browser updated within the last two versions.

Are there variations or house rules in this version?

This follows standard international Gomoku rules—first player to form five in a row wins. No special variations are applied, ensuring fairness and consistency between all matches.