What is Gomoku?
Gomoku, also known as Five in a Row, is a classic abstract strategy board game. It is traditionally played with Go pieces (black and white stones) on a Go board. The rules are simpler than Go, making it accessible to everyone, yet it offers deep strategic possibilities.
How to Play Gomoku Online
The rules of Gomoku are straightforward:
- Objective: Be the first player to form an unbroken chain of five stones of your color horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
- Gameplay: Players alternate turns placing a stone of their color on an empty intersection. Black usually plays first.
- Winning: The game ends when one player creates a line of five or more stones.
Gomoku Strategy & Tips
Mastering Five in a Row requires offensive and defensive balance:
- The "Open Four": Create a line of four stones with open ends on both sides. This guarantees a win because your opponent can only block one side.
- Block Early: If your opponent has three stones in a row with open ends (an "Open Three"), you must block immediately, or they will form an Open Four on their next turn.
- Forking: Try to create a move that builds two separate threats at once (like two "Open Threes"). Your opponent will only be able to block one, leading you to victory.
Why Play on Rare Pike?
Rare Pike offers the best free online Gomoku experience:
- Instant Matchmaking: Jump straight into a game with players worldwide.
- No Registration: Start playing immediately without creating an account.
- Mobile Friendly: Play smoothly on your phone, tablet, or desktop.