Gomoku pieces are the same as Go pieces. Although the games themselves are different, you can play Gomoku using a Go set if you’d like.
Once you place a piece on the intersection, it cannot be moved for the rest of the game. [3] X Research source With this standard game beginning, it has been mathematically proven that black can always win if they play optimally. However, in real life gameplay, different skill levels between players often lead to different outcomes. [4] X Research source
During Gomoku tournaments, turn length is usually measured using chess clocks. The time limit for most tournaments is 10 minutes total per player for each game. [6] X Research source
While rules sometimes vary, the standard variation of Gomoku specifies that winning lines must be exactly 5 stones and no more. Rows of 6 or more pieces are called “overlines” and do not count. [7] X Research source
If your opponent has 4 in a row, don’t waste your time thinking about what you’ll do next. Save your thinking time for when you really need it and simply block your opponent since that’s what you need to do to continue the game. [9] X Research source
If you’re playing in a tournament or other timed game, it’s okay to use more time during these first few moves. You can move faster at the end of the game when you have less options.
If you’re playing a more professional opponent, try looking up their game history on http://gomokuworld. com. [11] X Research source
If your opponent has a 3-stone line with one end already blocked (a “closed 3”), 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 do lay a 4th stone.
For example, you could aim to play 2 “open 3s” (lines of 3 stones with both ends open) at the same time by creating a plus- or X-shaped formation on the board. When your opponent tries to block one of the open 3-stone lines, you will be able to create an open 4.
Some players use the same opening sequences or patterns of moves in multiple games, similar to professional chess masters. See if you can identify some successful gambits and try implementing them in your own games. [15] X Research source
These restrictions help to create a more balanced game, since it places black’s first 2 stones further apart, making it harder for them to win. [17] X Research source The Long Pro variation is exactly the same as the Pro variation except that black’s second move must be at least 4 intersections from their first piece (i. e. outside a 7x7 square from the center of the board). [18] X Research source
Since the opening player cannot guarantee which stones they will be playing, they should be careful to place both colors in equally advantageous positions. [20] X Research source Although a bit more complicated, the Swap opening rules create a much more equal playing field than standard Gomoku, Pro, or Long Pro variations. [21] X Research source
Since 2008, the Swap2 rule has been used in the Gomoku World Championships. It is considered to be the most balanced opening rule developed so far. [23] X Research source
