Play Gomoku Online — Free Five in a Row Game
Introduction
Gomoku is the five-in-a-row board game that plays like chess but takes ten seconds to learn. Two players take turns placing black and white stones on the intersections of a grid, and the first to line up five stones in any direction — horizontally, vertically or diagonally — wins. It is one of the oldest board games in Asia, and it is the perfect two-player duel for one screen. Play it free in your browser with no download and no account.
About Gomoku
Gomoku, also called five in a row, has been played for centuries and is a favourite game across Asia. The rules could not be simpler — place a stone, try to make five in a line — but the strategy is surprisingly deep. The first player holds a real advantage, and both players must balance attack and defence on every move.
The game is played on the intersections of a grid, usually fifteen by fifteen. Each turn you place one stone on any empty intersection. A line of five of your own stones in any direction wins the game immediately. The tactical core is the open three: three stones in a row with open ends on both sides, which threatens to become four, then five.
This version is based on an open-source Caro game by Tran Huu Dat, released under the MIT licence. It runs entirely in your browser and supports two players sharing one screen. No download, no sign-up and no waiting for an opponent.
How to Play Gomoku
Choose your stone.
Black plays first and places the first stone on any empty intersection of the grid. White follows, and the players alternate turns.
Place a stone.
Click or tap an empty intersection to place your stone. Stones stay where they are for the whole game — there is no moving or capturing.
Build a line of five.
The first player to place five of their stones in a straight line — horizontally, vertically or diagonally — wins the game.
Block your opponent.
Watch for your opponent's open threes and fours. If they can make five on their next move, you must block that line before you continue your own attack.
Win or reset.
The game ends when someone makes five in a row, or when the grid is full with no winner. Start a new game with the New Game button.
Gomoku Controls
| Action | Desktop | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Place a stone | Click an empty intersection | Tap an empty intersection |
| See whose turn it is | The turn indicator shows black or white | The turn indicator shows black or white |
| Restart the game | Click the New Game button | Tap the New Game button |
| Undo a move | Click the Undo button, if available | Tap the Undo button, if available |
| See the winning line | The five stones are highlighted when someone wins | The five stones are highlighted when someone wins |
| Start a new round | Click New Game on the result screen | Tap New Game on the result screen |
| Fullscreen | Click the fullscreen button above the board | Tap the fullscreen button above the board |
| Exit fullscreen | Escape key | Tap the fullscreen button again |
Gomoku Tips & Strategies
Play in the centre early
Stones near the centre of the board contribute to more potential lines than stones on the edge. The first few moves should stake out the middle of the grid.
Build open threes
An open three — three stones in a row with open ends on both sides — is the most powerful shape in Gomoku. It threatens to become four, and a four cannot be fully blocked.
Block every immediate five
Before you play your own move, check whether your opponent can make five on their next turn. If they can, block it first — a win for them is worse than a delay for you.
Watch for double threats
The way to win is to create two open threes at once. Your opponent can block one, but not both, so a double threat usually ends the game in a move or two.
Defend without overreacting
Do not block every harmless pair the opponent makes. React to real threats — open threes and fours — while spending your other moves building your own lines.
Count the lines through each stone
A stone on the board participates in up to four lines — across, down and two diagonals. Stones placed where they serve several lines at once are the most valuable.
What makes Gomoku worth playing
- Classic Gomoku five-in-a-row gameplay for two players
- Runs entirely in your browser with no download or plugin
- Tap or click placement on desktop and mobile
- Quick rounds that reward deep thinking
- Open source under the MIT licence with credit to the developer
Game Info
| Developer | Tran Huu Dat |
|---|---|
| Released | 2025 |
| Genre | Board, Strategy |
| Players | Multiplayer |
| Technology | HTML5 / JavaScript |
| Platforms | Desktop, Tablet, Mobile browser |
| Average session | About 10 minutes |
| Licence | MIT |
| Last updated |
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Gomoku — Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gomoku free to play?
Yes, completely. The game is open source under the MIT licence and free to play here with no payment, no sign-up and no premium version.
What are the rules of Gomoku?
Two players take turns placing stones on the intersections of a grid. The first to line up five of their own stones in any straight direction wins.
Can two people play on the same computer?
Yes. The game is designed for two players sharing one screen, taking turns placing stones. No accounts or room codes are needed.
Can I play Gomoku on my phone?
Yes. Tap an empty intersection to place your stone. The game works in portrait and landscape on mobile browsers.
Who moves first?
Black moves first, which gives the first player a small but real advantage. The opening moves are about claiming the centre before the opponent does.
How do I win at Gomoku?
Make five of your stones in a row while blocking your opponent's threats. The open three is the key weapon — build them and block them, and the win follows.
Licence & Attribution
Gomoku, based on Caro-Board by Tran Huu Dat · MIT License
Licence verified .