Gomoku: Five in a Row

Gomoku, also known as Five in a Row, is a timeless strategy board game where two players battle to align five of their stones in a row. The rules are simple—but mastering the game takes foresight, pattern recognition, and tactical discipline.

Game Overview

• Board Size: 19×19 grid

• Turns: Black moves first, followed by alternating turns

• Objective: Place stones on grid intersections to form an unbroken line of five—horizontally, vertically, or diagonally

Winning Conditions

To win, align five of your stones in a straight line in any of these directions:

• Horizontal (→)

• Vertical (↓)

• Diagonal (↘ or ↗)

Core Strategies

1. Control the Center

Positioning in the center gives you:

• More paths to victory

• Greater flexibility for offense and defense

• The ability to restrict your opponent’s expansion

2. Set Up Multiple Threats

Force your opponent into a defensive stance by:

• Creating double threes or double fours

• Designing intersecting attack lines

• Establishing situations where any move could lead to a win

3. Defend with Precision

Solid defense is just as important as offense:

• Watch closely for opponent formations of three or four stones

• Block immediately when a threat arises

• Look for counter-play opportunities while defending

4. Use Diagonal Lines Strategically

Diagonal moves are often underestimated:

• Less predictable

• Harder to block

• Can create dual threats across the board

Common Patterns to Recognize

Offensive Patterns

• Open Four: Four consecutive stones with an open end on both sides

• Double Three: Two separate lines of three stones that can’t be blocked simultaneously

• Blocked Four: Four in a row blocked at one end, still a serious threat

Defensive Patterns

• Block Open Four: Place a stone to stop an opponent’s winning line

• Prevent Doubles: Watch for parallel threats forming at the same time

• Counterattack Setup: Defend and simultaneously create your own threat