How to Play Gomoku (Five in a Row)
Gomoku is a two-player game of placing stones: the first to make five in a row wins. It's quick to learn and endlessly replayable. kawu uses free-style rules, with no forbidden moves.
Board and stones
- A 15 × 15 grid of lines; stones go on the points where lines cross (225 points).
- One player has Black, the other White. Black moves first.
How to play
- Take turns placing one stone of your colour on any empty point.
- Stones never move and are never captured.
- The first player with five or more stones in an unbroken line (across, down or diagonally) wins.
- If the board fills up with no five, the game is a draw.
Words players use
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Open three | Three in a row with both ends empty: next move it becomes an open four |
| Open four | Four in a row with both ends empty: it can't be stopped |
| Four | Four in a row with one end blocked: it must be blocked at once |
| Four-three | One move that makes a four and an open three: usually a win |
Playing on kawu
- Click an empty point to place a stone, or move with the arrow keys and press Enter.
- Choose Black or White, three computer levels, or two players on one device.
- Play a friend online creates a room with a link to share, plus a link for spectators.
Next: Gomoku strategy, or play now.
Frequently asked questions
Does six in a row count in Gomoku?
On kawu, yes: five or more in a row wins (free-style rules). In Renju and some tournament rules, an overline does not count for Black.
Does Black have an advantage?
Yes, a large one in free-style Gomoku. Take turns playing Black with a friend; online, "Play again" swaps sides.
Last updated 2026-10-18