Five in a Row: Play, Learn, and Understand

Five in a Row is a two-player board game played in several regional and competitive forms. You can play this site's exact-five version right here in the browser — no account, no download.

Mode: vs AI (medium)|Board: 15×15

Black's turn

What Is Five in a Row?

Two players alternate placing black and white stones on the intersections of a grid. The goal is simple to state: be the first to line up exactly five stones in a row, horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. The difficulty lives in the rules underneath that statement — board size, whether a line of six counts as a win, whether Black has opening restrictions, and how the first move is handled.

The browser game on this page uses an exact-five rule: a line of exactly five wins; a line of six or more does not. It is not a full implementation of the formal Renju ruleset. If you want the tournament rules, see the rules comparison before you try to carry a tactic from one variant to another.

Where the Name Comes From

The game is called by several names depending on where you are. Gomoku (五目並べ) is the Japanese name and the most widely used term in English. Wuziqi (五子棋) is the Chinese name and the standard term in mainland China and most Chinese-speaking communities. Omok (오목) is the Korean name. Gobang appears in some older Korean-language sources. Five in a Row is the plain English description, and the name this site uses when the rule set, not the culture, is the focus.

The rules behind those names are not identical. A game called Gomoku on one app may use exact-five casual rules; the same name on another platform may follow Renju; a Korean app may enforce a swap rule that neither of the others uses. The name is a label, not a contract — check the board size and overline rule before you assume two apps are playing the same game. The history guide documents what is known about the traditions behind the names.

How to Play This Site's Game

Choose a board and mode. Play against the local AI or use pass-and-play with another person. Available sizes are 9×9, 13×13, and 15×15.
Place one stone each turn. Black starts; stones stay on the board after they are placed.
Make exactly five. An unbroken line of exactly five wins. A line of six or more does not. A full board with no winner is a draw.

For a guided nine-move practice position with a labeled board, visit How to Play Gomoku. To test threat-reading on set positions, try the practice exercises.

Keep Learning

How to Play

Step-by-step beginner guide with a labeled nine-move board.

Rules & Variants

Exact-five, free-style, and formal Renju side by side.

Beginner Strategy

Open threes, fours, blocks, and common mistakes.

Practice Exercises

Find the winning move or the forced block on a real position.

Teach Kids

How to explain the rules and run a first friendly game.

iPhone & iMessage

Four ways to play with a friend or practice alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Five in a Row the same as Gomoku?

The terms refer to the same family of games, but the detailed rules are not always identical. Check the board size, overline rule, and opening procedure before assuming two players are playing the same variant.

Does a line of six win?

It depends on the rule set. This site's game requires exactly five. In formal Renju, White's overline wins while Black's overline is forbidden. In free-style casual play, five or more usually wins.

What board size should I use?

Formal Renju uses 15×15. Smaller boards such as 9×9 or 13×13 are useful for casual practice and for players who want shorter games. A 9×9 board is the right starting point for teaching a child the basics.

Can I play online for free?

Yes. The board at the top of this page runs in the browser with a local AI and a pass-and-play mode. A private remote room is available for two players on separate devices — see Gomoku Online.

Reviewed 2026-10-24. Sources: Renju International Federation rules; L. Victor Allis, Go-Moku and Threat-Space Search (1994).