Play Gomoku online – free, with friends or against a bot
Gomoku is five in a row played on a Go board. Stones never move and nothing is ever captured, so every turn is pure construction — your own line, and the block you have to put in front of your opponent's. Board Bash plays it on 9×9 or 13×13, against a friend or on the same device.
How to play Gomoku
Pick 9×9 or 13×13 when you create the game. Black plays first, then you alternate, placing one stone on any empty intersection.
Stones stay where you put them. Nothing is captured and nothing moves.
Five of your stones in an unbroken line — horizontal, vertical or diagonal — wins immediately.
There is no overline rule: a line of six contains a line of five, so it wins too.
No opening is forbidden and Black is under no restriction. This is free-style Gomoku, so playing first is a real advantage — swap seats for the next game.
If the board fills up with no line of five, the game is a draw.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gomoku the same as Five in a Row?
Yes. Board Bash plays the free-style version: an unbroken line of five wins, and neither player has a forbidden opening to remember.
Which board size should I pick?
9×9 makes for a fast, tactical game. 13×13 leaves room for two separate fights and rewards planning ahead. You choose when you create the game.
Can I play Gomoku against the computer?
Yes — pick "Computer" when you create the game. The Gomoku bot is a light opponent, so for a real fight invite a friend or play someone online.