Is Gomoku free to play here?

Yes. You play without an account or download right in your browser, and there is nothing to buy.

Can two players play Gomoku on one phone?

Yes. In “Two players, one device” mode you take turns tapping on the same phone or tablet. The game runs in the browser on phones, tablets and computers.

Do six stones in a row win?

By default, yes (freestyle rule). If you prefer the stricter rule, turn on “Exactly five” in the settings; it applies from the next game.

Yes. A game in progress survives reloading the page. Without an account it stays in this browser; with a PanicLines account it is kept in your account along with your series, so you can carry on on any device.

Gomoku Online – Five in a Row vs AI or Friend

Play Gomoku online for free

Gomoku, also known as Five in a Row or Gobang, comes from Japan and is played on the crossings of a Go board. Black and White take turns placing one stone each; the first to connect five of their own stones horizontally, vertically or diagonally wins.

On PanicLines you play for free in your browser on phone, tablet and computer, with no download and no sign-up. Take on the AI at three levels or play with a friend on one device; a game usually takes five to fifteen minutes.

Rules

The board has 15 by 15 lines. Black starts, then you take turns placing a stone on a free crossing. Stones stay where they are placed.
The first to get five of their own stones without a gap in a row wins. Here six or more count as well (“freestyle”).
Exactly five: in the settings you can choose the stricter rule, where a row of six or more stones does not win.
If the board is full and nobody has five in a row, the game is a draw.

Game modes and AI levels

Against the AI at three levels: Easy misses a threat now and then, Medium reliably blocks fours and open threes, Hard looks up to eight plies ahead and finds winning sequences of fours.
Against the AI you choose your colour: Black (moves first), White, or alternating from game to game. You can take back a move.
Two players, one device: you take turns tapping, Black starts, and your series of wins and draws is counted.

Controls

Tap a free crossing to place a stone. On a phone the first tap shows the stone with a crosshair and a second tap on the same point places it, so you hit the right point even on a small screen.
The last stone is marked and a winning row lights up in gold. On a computer the mouse previews the stone, the arrow keys move a marker and Enter places it.

Tips and strategy

Block open threes: three stones with free ends become an open four next turn, which can no longer be stopped. Block one end right away.
Double threat: a four and an open three made with one stone (a “four-three”) almost always wins, because your opponent can only block one threat.
Win with fours: every four forces your opponent to block. A sequence of fours that ends in a double threat is a sure win.
Stay central: stones at the edge have fewer lines to work with. Play close to your own stones and your opponent's.
Attack while you defend: if you only block, you lose track sooner or later. Whenever you can, let each block also build a row of your own.

Frequently asked questions

Is Gomoku free to play here?: Yes. You play without an account or download right in your browser, and there is nothing to buy.
Can two players play Gomoku on one phone?: Yes. In “Two players, one device” mode you take turns tapping on the same phone or tablet. The game runs in the browser on phones, tablets and computers.
Do six stones in a row win?: By default, yes (freestyle rule). If you prefer the stricter rule, turn on “Exactly five” in the settings; it applies from the next game.
Is my game saved?: Yes. A game in progress survives reloading the page. Without an account it stays in this browser; with a PanicLines account it is kept in your account along with your series, so you can carry on on any device.