Gomoku FAQ: Rules, Overlines, Black Advantage, and More
I built this FAQ the lazy way — by writing down every question friends asked me after their first game. Same five questions, different people, every time. “Wait, six in a row doesn’t count?” “Why does the AI keep beating me when I go first?”
So here they are, once, with straight answers. If your question isn’t here, send it my way and I’ll add it.
Is Gomoku the same as Tic-Tac-Toe?
No, but they’re distant cousins. Tic-Tac-Toe is played on a tiny 3×3 grid and is trivially solved — two experienced players always draw. Gomoku uses a 15×15 board and has enormous strategic depth. If Tic-Tac-Toe is a puddle, Gomoku is an ocean.
Can a line of six or more win?
No. In standard Gomoku, an “overline” — a row of six or more stones — does not count as a win. Only exactly five wins. This is an important rule that prevents sneaky wins and adds tactical depth.
In some casual or regional variants, overlines do count. But on this site and in tournament play, only five wins.
Does black have an advantage by going first?
Yes — and it’s significant. At high levels, black wins roughly 60–70% of the time in unrestricted play. That’s why competitive Gomoku (called Renju) adds restrictions on what moves black can make, such as forbidding double threes and double fours.
In casual play on this site, the advantage exists, but against the AI — especially on harder difficulties — it won’t save you.
What’s the difference between Gomoku and Renju?
Gomoku = the free-form game with no restrictions. Renju = competitive Gomoku with forbidden moves for black to balance the first-move advantage.
If you’re playing casually, you’re playing Gomoku. If you see people discussing forbidden moves and tournament brackets, they’re talking about Renju. Read our full Renju guide here.
Is Gomoku solved by computers?
Partially. On a 15×15 board, Gomoku is not fully solved (unlike Connect Four, which is). But modern AI programs can play at a superhuman level — no human can beat the strongest Gomoku engines consistently.
Our own AI uses a minimax algorithm with alpha-beta pruning, a classic approach that plays at a strong amateur level across three difficulty settings.
How long does a typical game last?
Anywhere from 30 seconds to 20 minutes. A quick blunder can end a game in a dozen moves. A tight, cautious match between skilled players might take 50–80 moves.
Can I play Gomoku on my phone?
Absolutely. Our site is fully responsive — the game board adjusts to your screen size. You can play on desktop, tablet, or phone. No app download needed.
Is Gomoku related to Go?
They share the same board (sort of — Go uses 19×19, Gomoku uses 15×15) and both originated in East Asia, but they are fundamentally different games. Go is about territory and influence. Gomoku is about building a single line. Here’s a detailed comparison.
Didn’t find your question? Contact us and we’ll add it.