Gomoku — The Classic Five in a Row Game
Play five in a row against the AI, pass and play with a friend, or open a private online room.
Interactive Gomoku board. Click an empty intersection to place a stone. Keyboard users can use the arrow keys to move and Enter or Space to place a stone.
What is Gomoku?
Gomoku is a family of five-in-a-row games played on a grid. It is also called Five in a Row, Gobang, or Omok in different settings. Two players take turns placing stones, one black and one white. The exact win condition and opening rules depend on the version being played.
This site's casual browser game uses an exact-five rule: the first unbroken line of exactly five wins. Related traditions include Renju in Japan and Omok in Korea, but their rule sets and tournament procedures are not interchangeable. The official RIF rules describe 13 direct and 13 indirect opening patterns for their formal procedure; always check the rules for a specific event.
Choose How to Play Gomoku
Play immediately in your browser, practice against the AI, pass the device between two players, or invite a friend to a private online room.
Play Gomoku Online
Use a 9×9, 13×13, or 15×15 board against the local AI or in pass-and-play mode. No account or download is required.
Play with a Friend Online
Create a private 15×15 room, share the invite link, and take turns on separate devices.
How to Play Gomoku on iMessage
Follow the current GamePigeon setup flow and check the rule display before starting a match with a friend.
How to Play Gomoku in 3 Steps
Place Your Stone
Players take turns placing one stone at a time on any empty intersection. Black always goes first.
Build Your Line
Form a line of stones horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Create threats and block your opponent's lines.
Get Five in a Row
The first player to form an unbroken line of exactly five stones wins. If the board fills up with no winner, it's a draw.
Gomoku by Other Names
These names describe related five-in-a-row traditions. Their board sizes, win conditions, and tournament rules can differ, so check the rules before assuming they are interchangeable.
Explore Gomoku
🎮 Play Online
Play gomoku against AI or a friend — right in your browser.
📖 How to Play
Complete beginner's guide with step-by-step instructions.
📋 Rules
Compare this site's exact-five rules with free-style and formal Renju.
⚖️ Gomoku vs Go
Compare the goals, board sizes, captures, and rules of Gomoku and Go.
🔀 Related Games
See how Gomoku compares with Go, Connect Four, and Tic-Tac-Toe.
🧠 Strategy Guide
Learn winning strategies from beginner to advanced level.
🔲 Gomoku Board
Board sizes, printable PDFs, and board setup guide.
🔓 Play Unblocked
Play gomoku on any device — no installation or signup needed.
🧒 Teach Kids
How to explain the rules to children and run your first friendly game.
🌏 Around the World
Wuzi Qi, Renju, and Omok — how the same game travels across countries.
📐 Best Openings
Ten practical openings, what each is for, and which to learn first.
🤖 Build a Gomoku AI
A step-by-step programming guide to a working minimax engine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gomoku?
Gomoku is a strategy board game where two players take turns placing stones on a grid. The goal is to be the first to form an unbroken line of five stones in any direction — horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. It's also called Five in a Row, Gobang, or Omok.
Is gomoku the same as Connect Four?
No. While both are "line-forming" games, gomoku is played on a flat 15×15 grid where stones can be placed anywhere, while Connect Four uses a vertical 7×6 grid where pieces fall due to gravity. Gomoku has much more strategic depth.
Can I play gomoku online for free?
Yes! You can play gomoku right on this page — no download, no signup required. Choose to play against our AI opponent or challenge a friend in local two-player mode.
What is the best first move in gomoku?
On an open casual board, the center is a practical default because it leaves room in every direction. It is not a universal best move: formal opening procedures and the position's rules can change the choice. Learn more strategies →
What board size does gomoku use?
Formal Renju uses a 15×15 board. Casual games also use 9×9, 13×13, and other sizes; smaller boards are often useful for quick practice. Learn about gomoku boards →