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โšซ Five in a Row

Board Game โ€ข Strategy โ€ข Brain โ€ข 1 plays โ€ข ๐Ÿ’ฌ Write the first review

Five in a Row game screen
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About the game

Five in a Row is a free strategy game where you take turns placing stones on a 15x15 wooden board, and the first player to line up 5 stones wins. It is also known as gomoku; you can learn the rules in a minute, but mastering it takes years. Your line can go across, down or diagonally. While building your own line, you must also block the end of your rival's.

Play the computer at four levels: Easy, Medium, Hard and Master. Beat a level to unlock the next one. The Master computer looks for forced wins with chains of four-threats and sees your traps coming. You can also play 2 players on the same device. No sign-up needed, just play.

How to play

  • Place a stone: on a phone, tap a spot to preview it and tap again to place, so you never hit the wrong spot. On a computer, one click is enough.
  • Line up 5: get 5 of your stones in a row across, down or diagonally to win.
  • Block: if your rival has 3 or 4 in a row, close the end.
  • Take turns starting: you play black (first move) one game and white the next.
  • Pause: tap the โธ button at the top or press P / Esc. The game pauses by itself when you switch tabs, and the computer waits too.

Helpers

  • โ†ฉ๏ธ Undo: takes back your last move (and the computer's reply).
  • ๐Ÿ’ก Hint: shows, with a yellow ring, the spot the computer would play for you.
  • ๐Ÿณ๏ธ Resign: end a lost game and go for a rematch.

Scoring and streaks

Every win earns points by level: Easy 10, Medium 20, Hard 35, Master 60. Win in a row to build your win streak, which adds a bonus to each win. The leaderboard shows your best streak next to your points. After a win, watch a short ad to double your points. Sign up for free to keep your points.

Screenshots

Five in a Row black and white stones on a wooden board Five in a Row you win screen Five in a Row difficulty menu

Tips

  • Watch for open threes: a three with both ends free (_XXX_) becomes an open four next move and wins. Block your rival's at once.
  • Make a double threat: create two open threes, or a four and an open three, with one move, and your rival can't block both.
  • Play in the middle: the centre lets you build in every direction. Edges and corners limit you.
  • Keep your stones close: stones that support each other create threats in many directions.

FAQ

Is Five in a Row free? Yes, completely free and it runs in your browser.
Does it work on phones? Yes, the tap-preview-confirm system means no wrong moves on small screens.
What if I get 6 in a row? 5 or more in a row wins.
Can I play with a friend? Yes, choose "2 Players" to take turns on the same device.
Do I need an account? No, play as a guest right away. Sign up to keep your points.

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