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Gomoku lessons · Advanced · Step 10
Winning with Threes
An open three becomes an open four if left alone, so your opponent has to block it too. Keep pressing with threes and fours, and set up a 4-3 spot along the way — that's attacking two or three moves ahead. This is called VCT (Victory by Continuous Threats). Since 3-3 is forbidden for Black, the finish has to be a 4-3. White blocks automatically, so keep going until you get five.
Puzzle 1
Press twice with threes, then make a 4-3. (Black to move)
Show answer and explanation
The green circle marks the answer. Force White to block with a vertical three, then press again with a horizontal broken three. Now a vertical four and a diagonal three overlap at one spot to make a 4-3. While White blocks the four, the diagonal becomes an open four.
Puzzle 2
Start with a horizontal three. Watch which line your next three adds a stone to. (Black to move)
Show answer and explanation
The green circle marks the answer. Press with a horizontal three, then a vertical broken three, and the second three's stone also sits on a diagonal. That creates a 4-3 spot where a horizontal four and a diagonal three overlap.
Puzzle 3
Look three moves ahead. Win with three → three → 4-3. (Black to move)
Show answer and explanation
The green circle marks the answer. Press with a horizontal three and a vertical broken three while building up stones on the diagonal. Finish with a 4-3 where a horizontal broken four and a diagonal three overlap. You can win without ever using a 3-3.