Strategy · 5 tips
How to win at gomoku
The key to winning at gomoku is creating two threats at once — not just lining up five stones.
Open threes and open fours
- An open three is three stones in a row with both ends free. Next turn it can become an open four.
- An open four is four stones with both ends free. Your opponent can only block one end, so you win on the next move.
- A four blocked at one end is still dangerous, but the opponent can stop it by blocking the other end.
The winning order
Look for moves in this order every turn:
- Win now: if you can complete five, play it.
- Block a four: if your opponent has four in a row, block the open end immediately.
- Make an open three: it forces your opponent to defend.
- Create a double threat: two open threes, or a three and a four, on different lines. The opponent can only block one.
- Stay connected: play near existing stones; scattered stones rarely make five.
Play the centre
Stones near the centre have room to grow in every direction. Expand the shape you already have instead of starting a new one far away.
How the AI thinks
The AI first takes an immediate win, then blocks your winning move, then scores attack and defence around existing stones. It will block an open three — so build two threats instead of one.
Practice tips
- Watch the whole board, not just your own line.
- Count both ends of every line.
- When you are behind, look for a counter-four.
- Use 2-player mode to practise with a friend.