Freestyle
The best-known gomoku rule. Either color wins by connecting five or more in any direction — no forbidden moves, and an overline of six still counts.
Renju — forbidden moves for Black only
Renju (連珠) is the official rule that offsets Black's first-move advantage with forbidden moves. A move that is Black's best in freestyle can be an instant loss in renju.
The three forbidden moves
A double-three makes two open threes with one stone; a double-four makes two fours; an overline is six or more in a row. If Black plays any of them, Black loses on the spot.
Gomoku Mate marks the squares Black may not play with a ✕. The forbidden-moves guide shows each shape on a diagram.
How White wins
White has no restrictions at all: five or more wins, and double-threes, double-fours and overlines are all legal.
White also has a second way to win — forcing Black onto a forbidden square. If every reply Black must play is forbidden, Black loses by playing it.
Renju vs the official opening
Plain renju applies only the forbidden moves and lets the first stone go anywhere. 'Renju · official opening' adds the RIF ceremony: center, 3×3, 5×5, a color swap choice, and two offered fifth moves.
Common questions
Why does only Black get forbidden moves?
Because moving first is a proven winning advantage in freestyle. The official rule taxes Black alone to level the game.
Does White lose for a double-three?
No — forbidden moves apply to Black only. White may play any of them and wins with five or more.
What happens if Black plays one by mistake?
Black loses the moment the forbidden stone lands. Gomoku Mate marks forbidden squares in advance so you can check before playing.
See the other rules
Exact five
Exactly five in a row wins; a line of six or more does not. A simple compromise that weakens Black's overline attacks without forbidden moves.
Caro · cờ caro
The Vietnamese gomoku rule. Exactly five in a row wins — unless the opponent has sealed both ends of the line.
Renju · official opening
Renju forbidden moves plus the RIF opening: first move on the center, second inside 3×3, third inside 5×5, then White may swap colors and Black offers two fifth moves.
Gomoku · Swap2
The world-championship opening. One side places black-white-black, and the opponent either picks a color or adds two stones and hands the choice back. Wins need exactly five.