okkaystudio
Gomoku lessons · Basics · Step 1
Making Five
In Gomoku, the first to line up five of their stones in a row — horizontally, vertically, or diagonally — wins. Your first habit: always look for a winning spot first. (In real games, Black must make exactly five. Six or more in a row, an overline, is a forbidden move for Black.)
Puzzle 1
Black to move. Where do you win in one move? (Black to move)
Show answer and explanation
The green circle marks the answer. Both ends of this four are open, so playing at either end makes five.
Puzzle 2
A four can have a gap in the middle too. Where's the winning spot? (Black to move)
Show answer and explanation
The green circle marks the answer. A broken four (●●_●●) becomes five once you fill the single gap. The stones don't have to touch to count as a four.
Puzzle 3
Don't forget the diagonals. Where's the winning spot? (Black to move)
Show answer and explanation
The green circle marks the answer. White has blocked the upper-left end, so the lower-right end is the only spot.