Gomoku is a traditional Japanese board game that is more complex than tic-tac-toe.During the game, players place black and white pieces on the board with the goal of creating a line of 5 pieces in any direction.A traditional Gomoku board has a 15x15 grid of lines, but is sometimes played on a Go board with a 19x19 grid.
Step 1: The black and white pieces need to be divided between the two players.
Gomoku is played with stones.One player should get the black pieces while the other player gets the white pieces.Go pieces are the same as Gomoku pieces.Gomoku can be played using a Go set.
Step 2: A black stone is used to start the game.
The player using the black stones opens the game by placing one of their pieces on the board.Stones are placed on the intersection created by the board's grid of lines.During your turn, you can place your stone on any intersection you choose.The piece on the intersection cannot be moved for the rest of the game.Black can always win if they play well.Different skill levels between players can lead to different outcomes.
Step 3: There are alternate turns between the players.
The two players place one of their stones on the board during their turn in the game.The first player will play a black stone while the second player plays a white stone.Chess clocks are used to measure turn length during Gomoku tournaments.The time limit for most tournaments is 10 minutes.
Step 4: If you aim for 5 pieces in a row, you can win the game.
You have to be the first player to create a line of 5 stones.The line can move in any direction.The standard variation of Gomoku states that winning lines must be no more than 5 stones.Rows of 6 or more pieces do not count.
Step 5: You can use your opponent's turn to think.
Each player only has 10 minutes for their turn during a live game, so you may be crunched for time.Use your opponent's turn to think about what you will do next.As you near the end of the round and both run low on time, you can gain an advantage by utilizing your opponent's time as well as your own.Don't think about what you'll do next if your opponent has 4 in a row.If you want to continue the game, simply block your opponent since that is what you need to do.
Step 6: The focus should be on the first 10 moves.
Since you have less and less options as the game goes on, the beginning is the most important part.It will be very difficult to get out of a bad position during the rest of the game.It is okay to use more time during the first few moves in a timed game.At the end of the game, you can move faster if you have less options.
Step 7: Understand your opponent's strengths and weaknesses.
You can learn about your opponent's Gomoku strategies if you play a live game.Try to determine if they are more aggressive or defensive.If you have played them before, you should be able to remember whether they used certain sequence that you could foil.You can ask other players questions.You can check out their game history at http://gomokuworld.com if you want to play a more professional opponent.
Step 8: Don't allow your opponent to get an open 4.
When someone gets an open 4 they will win the game on their next turn since their opponent can only block one end during their turn, leaving the other open for victory.You should immediately block any 3-stone lines with both ends open if you want to prevent your opponent from achieving an open 4.This will help you get out of a bad situation.If your opponent has a 3-stone line with one end already blocked, you can choose to leave it for one turn without losing the game, since you will have another chance to block the win if they lay a 4th stone.
Step 9: Attacking lines can be created at the same time.
A fork is a situation where you have 2 potentially victorious lines of stones at the same time.As you play, keep an eye out for opportunities to create lines that are open and not blocked by your opponent.If you wanted to play 2 open 3s at the same time, you could create a plus- or X-shaped formation on the board.You can create an open 4 if your opponent tries to block one of the open 3-stone lines.
Step 10: Look at the games of better players.
You can search online for play-by-plays or watch videos of more experienced players.Pause after each move they make and consider why they made it.Determine if they have an overall strategy or plan.As you improve, you can ask yourself what you would do in that situation.Similar to professional chess masters, some players use the same opening sequence in multiple games.If you can identify successful gambits in your own games, that would be great.
Step 11: Try the Pro rules.
The staring player must place their first stone on the intersection of the board in the Pro variation.The white player can put their piece anywhere they want.Black must place their second stone at least 3 times away from their first piece.The center of the board is outside a 5x5 square.Both players are free to place their stones at any open intersection during the rest of the game.Black's first 2 stones are placed further apart, making it harder for them to win.Black's second move must be at least 4 intersections from their first piece in order to play the Long Pro variation.The center of the board is outside a 7x7 square.
Step 12: It is possible to open with the swap variation.
The first player to put white and black stones on the board will win the game.The second player can assign which player will play which color for the rest of the game.Whoever is assigned to play white will place a second white piece on the board.Both players place their stones on any open intersection during the rest of the game.The opening player can't guarantee which stones they will be playing, so they should place both colors in equally favorable positions.The swap opening rules create a more equal playing field than standard Gomoku, Pro, or Long Pro variations.
Step 13: You can learn the swap2 opening for more professional play.
The first player will place white and black stones on the board, the same as the regular swap opening.The second player can choose to play either color or black and white.The first player gets to choose who plays which color if the second player places additional stones.The game goes on as usual, with white placing their next stone and both players alternating turns until someone gets 5 in a row.The Gomoku World Championships have used the swap2 rule.The most balanced opening rule has been developed.