How to Play Connect6

Connect6 was devised by Professor I-Chen Wu in 2003 as a fair successor to Gomoku: the same stones and board, but two stones a turn and six to win.

The rules

A 19×19 board. Black places one stone to open.
From then on each turn places two stones on any empty points.
Six or more in a row, horizontally, vertically or diagonally, wins immediately.
A full board is a draw.

Playing on kawu

Tap a point to place a stone; the status line says how many stones are left this turn.
Play the computer (three levels), pass the device for two players, or open a room and send the code to a friend. Anyone with the code can also watch.
Hint shows the computer's suggestion; the last stone is marked in red.

Next, read the Connect6 strategy.

Frequently asked questions

Why does Black place only one stone at first?

So that after every turn each player has placed one more stone than the opponent at most. That's what makes Connect6 close to fair, unlike Gomoku where the first player has a known winning edge.

Does seven in a row count?

Yes. Six or more wins; there is no overline rule.

Must the two stones be next to each other?

No. They can go anywhere on the board, even on opposite sides.

Last updated 2026-10-20