Play Gomoku Online with a Friend

Create a private room, share the link, and take turns on a 15×15 board.

Play Gomoku with a Friend Online

Create a private six-character room code, copy the invite link, and play on separate devices. The room uses a 15×15 board and this site's exact-five rule.

Create or join a room

How the Online Gomoku Room Works

  1. Choose Create Room and copy the six-character code or invite link.
  2. Send the link to one friend. They open it on their own phone, tablet, or computer and join as White.
  3. Black moves first. Each legal move is sent to the other player through the realtime room and appears on both boards.
  4. When the game ends, either player can choose New Game. Leave Room when you are finished.

No account is required for the room. The invite link is the access token, so share it only with the person you want to play. This first version uses the site's 15×15 casual exact-five rules: exactly five wins, while a line of six or more does not. It does not enforce formal Renju forbidden moves.

What to Check Before You Start

Agree on the rules

Gomoku, Five in a Row, and Renju can use different overline, opening, and forbidden-move rules. This room uses the same exact-five rules as the local browser board. Read the rules comparison if you are moving from another app.

Check the connection

Both players should keep the room tab open and wait for the status to show whose turn it is. If a player loses connection, reopen the same invite link to request the current room state.

Use the right board

The online room is fixed to 15×15 so both players always share the same geometry. For quick practice on a smaller board, use the local Gomoku game and choose 9×9 or 13×13.

Keep the invite private

Anyone who has the room link may be able to join while the room is active. Do not post an invite publicly if you want a private match.

Before sharing a room link

A room is intended for two people who have agreed to play now. Create the room first, then send the invite link directly to your friend. The code is short so it is easy to type, but it should not be treated as a password for private information. Do not include personal details in a room code or publish the link in a public chat. If an unexpected player appears, leave the room and create a new one.

Both players should wait until the room status shows the correct roles before placing a stone. Black starts. If one player sees an old position or no move arrives, first check that both browsers are still online and looking at the same room code. Reopen the invite link while the other player remains connected to request the current state; if the match cannot be recovered, agree to start a new room rather than guessing at missing moves.

The room has no account, leaderboard, chat, or permanent saved-game feature. It is best for a live match between two friends. For studying a sequence by yourself, switch to the local two-player board and record moves separately. For a physical board without a connection, use the printable grid. These alternatives help you choose the right tool before sending an invite.

Online Gomoku FAQ

Can I play with someone on another device?

Yes. Create a room and send the invite link; the other player joins from a separate device.

Do we need an account?

No account is required. The room code and invite link identify the room.

Can I play Renju in the room?

Not yet. The room currently uses casual exact-five rules and does not enforce Black's Renju forbidden moves or opening procedure. Use the Renju rules guide to understand the difference.

Reviewed 2026-09-24. For solo practice and local pass-and-play, return to the main play page.