PlayfuloOMOK

Board game

Gomoku (Omok)

How would you like to play?

15×15 · casual renju · Black only: 3-3 · 4-4 · overline banned

Gomoku (Omok) guide

What is this game?

Playfulo Gomoku — also called omok or five in a row — is played on a 15×15 board. Play against AI or a friend with no sign-up.

We use casual renju restrictions: Black (first) may not play 3-3, 4-4, or overlines. White has no such bans.

Choose easy, normal, or hard, or share an invite link with a friend.

How to play

Black plays first, then players alternate. The first to make five in a row — horizontal, vertical, or diagonal — wins.

  • The board is 15×15. Stones are placed on intersections.
  • Black only: 3-3 (two open threes), 4-4 (two fours), and overlines (six or more) are forbidden.
  • White has no 3-3, 4-4, or overline ban.
  • If a player has no legal move or resigns, the other player wins.

Controls

  • Click an empty intersection with a mouse. On a touch screen, tap a point once to select it and tap the same point again to confirm. Forbidden points cannot be selected by Black.
  • Choose AI difficulty and move order before solo play, or create an invite link for a friend match.
  • Use the last-move marker and forbidden-move notice to follow the board on smaller screens.

Strategy tips

  • Build intersecting threats that can create two fours instead of extending only one line.
  • Block an open three on a point that also improves your own shape whenever possible.
  • As Black, plan around double-three, double-four, and overline restrictions; as White, use the lack of those restrictions to counterattack.

Difficulty differences

Easy focuses on nearby attacks and blocks. Normal compares continuous threats and common forbidden shapes. Hard searches a wider set of follow-up threats and defensive replies.

Common beginner mistakes

  • Ignoring an open three lets it become a four next. Block urgent threats before your own attack.
  • As Black, forgetting double-three / double-four bans can leave you with no legal move.
  • Only building on the edge loses center control — claim some central influence early.

FAQ

Can I play gomoku (five in a row) online for free?

Yes. Play free gomoku / omok / five in a row against AI on Playfulo with no sign-up. Easy, normal, and hard are available on mobile and desktop.

Which moves are forbidden for Black in gomoku here?

In casual renju, only Black may not play 3-3 (two open threes), 4-4 (two fours), or an overline (six or more in a row). White has no such restrictions.

Can I play gomoku with a friend?

Yes. Create a room and share the invite link. You do not need the same browser — the link is enough.