Gomoku rules
Gomoku, also called five in a row, is a two-player strategy board game. Players take turns placing black and white stones on the empty points of a 15×15 board, and black moves first. The first player to make an unbroken line of exactly five stones horizontally, vertically or diagonally wins; six or more in a row does not count. On Ttakji there are no forbidden moves, and a full board is a draw.
How to play
- Start with an empty 15×15 board.
- Black places the first stone on any empty point.
- Take turns placing one stone per move. Stones never move once placed.
- Win by making a line of exactly five of your stones horizontally, vertically or diagonally. Six or more in a row does not count.
- If the board fills up and nobody has won, the game is a draw.
Playing online on Ttakji
- Each move has a 30-second clock. If it runs out, you lose the game.
- If you lose connection, your clock keeps running. Come back in time to continue.
- Colors are random in online and friend games and swap on every rematch.
- You can resign or offer a draw. Undo is only available against the AI.
- Ranked games use an Elo rating starting at 1,200 and need a Google sign-in. Casual games only need a nickname.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gomoku on Ttakji free? Do I need an account?
Yes, it is free and runs in your browser. Choose a nickname to play against the AI, a random opponent or a friend. Sign in with Google only if you want ranked games and a place on the leaderboard.
Who moves first?
Black always moves first. Against the AI you can pick black, white or random. In online and friend games colors are chosen at random and swap on each rematch.
Does six in a row win?
No. Only exactly five in a row wins; six or more (an overline) does not count. There are no forbidden moves, so both players may play on any empty point, unlike renju.
What happens if I run out of time or lose connection?
In online and friend games each move has 30 seconds. Your clock keeps running while you are disconnected; reconnect in time to continue, otherwise you lose on time. Games against the AI have no clock.
How do I play Gomoku with a friend?
Press "Play a friend" and send the link. It works for one friend for 24 hours, and neither of you needs to sign up. The game starts as soon as your friend opens it.