Gomoku strategy guide

Build threats the computer cannot block in one move

Gomoku is won by making five stones in an unbroken horizontal, vertical or diagonal line. Beginners often place stones that look connected but create only one obvious direction. Stronger play builds several possible lines from the same area.

Start near the centre

A central stone can extend in more directions than a stone on the edge. You do not need to occupy the exact middle every game, but the first few moves should normally stay away from the border so horizontal, vertical and both diagonal lines remain available.

Recognise the important patterns

• Open two: two connected stones with space at both ends. Useful, but not urgent.
• Open three: three stones with both ends available. This can become a winning threat quickly.
• Four: four stones with at least one winning space. It must usually be blocked immediately.
• Double threat: one move creates two different winning continuations. The opponent can block only one.

Attack in two directions

A straight line is easy to read and block. Try to place stones so a central point contributes to both a row and a diagonal, or a column and a diagonal. The goal is not to make the longest line immediately; it is to create more than one dangerous continuation.

Know when defence is mandatory

Before every move, scan the computer's stones for a line of four or an open three. Blocking a four has priority over extending your own harmless line. An open three may also need an immediate response if your move does not create a stronger direct threat.

Avoid scattered stones

Stones separated by large gaps do not support each other. Keep early moves within a useful neighbourhood, but do not pack them so tightly that every line becomes blocked by your own shape.

Simple turn checklist

1. Can the computer win on its next move?
2. Can you create four or complete five?
3. Can one move create two open lines?
4. If not, which move improves both attack and defence?