Gomoku 五目
Gomoku is easy to learn—five in a row on a 15×15 or 19×19 grid—but Black's first-move advantage is strong. Renju fixes that with forbidden patterns for Black (double-three, double-four, overline) and swap opening rules, making it a serious competitive game.
Rules
Standard gomoku: Black first; first unbroken line of five wins (six or more does not count in some rules). Renju (competition): Black may not play double-three (two open threes), double-four (two fours), or overline (six or more in a row). White has no restrictions; Black must win with exactly five. Swap opening (e.g. swap2, Soosyrv-8) used in international Renju to balance the first move. Play on 15×15 or 19×19; often on a Go board.
History
Five-in-a-row on Go boards in Japan since Edo. Ruikou Kuroiwa named Renju in Yorozu chouhou (1899); rules refined 1910s. International Renju Federation 1988; world championships. Digital gomoku and board-game cafés keep it popular; Renju remains a serious sport with strong European and Russian players.
Tips for beginners
Control the centre early; corners and edges follow. Build threats in two directions at once—a double-four is a forced win. In Renju as Black, look four or more moves ahead to avoid creating forbidden patterns. Block opponent's open threes and fours immediately.
Cultural context
Played on Go boards in Japan; accessible to children. Renju has annual Japan Championship; international federation. Casual gomoku in apps and cafés; Renju as serious competitive game. Gomoku can be played with Go stones on a 15×15 or 19×19 board; no special equipment needed. The game is popular in board-game cafés and online. Renju fixes Black's first-move advantage with swap rules and forbidden patterns, making it a serious sport with strong European and Russian players.
Where to Buy or Play
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- 🛒 Gomoku / Renju Board Set 15×15 or 19×19 board with stones — can also use a Go set
- 🛒 Go Set (doubles as Gomoku board) Standard Go boards and stones work for Gomoku