Answers about the game, online opponents, and browser-based records on Gomoku Live.
What is Gomoku?
Gomoku is a two-player strategy game in which Black and White place stones on board intersections. The goal is to form five stones in an uninterrupted horizontal, vertical, or diagonal line. Our freestyle version also counts a longer line as a win.
Is five in a row the same as Gomoku?
“Five in a row” is a common English description of Gomoku. The name “Gobang” is also used for related five-in-a-row games. Rules differ between variants, so check the rule set rather than assuming every site plays identically. This site uses a 15 × 15 board and freestyle wins.
Is this the same game as Go?
No. The stones and board can look similar, but Go focuses on territory and captures. In Gomoku, placed stones remain on the board and the immediate objective is a line of five. Capturing stones is not part of this site's game.
How does this differ from Renju?
Renju adds restrictions and opening procedures to address the first player's advantage. Depending on the rules, Black may be forbidden to make an overline, a double-three, or a double-four. Gomoku Live does not enforce those restrictions: five or more in a row wins for either color.
Is the game free, and do I need a download?
You can play in a modern browser without downloading an app. Computer and same-screen play run in your browser. Online matchmaking requires an Internet connection. Creating a guest nickname does not require an email address or password.
How do I play against someone I do not know?
In Play online, save a nickname and select Find opponent. The server pairs you with another visitor who is currently searching and assigns the colors randomly. An invitation link is not required for this mode.
Why am I waiting for an opponent?
Someone else must be searching at the same time. If nobody is available, you remain in the queue. Keep the page open, or select Cancel search. The site does not disguise computer players as human opponents. An already assigned match may start if pairing completes just before your cancellation request.
What happens if I disconnect?
Your turn timer continues. Refreshing or reopening the site in the same browser can resume an unfinished match using your saved player identity. A player who runs out of the 90-second turn time loses. Choosing Resign or leaving an unfinished ranked match through the mode controls also counts as a loss.
How are streaks and ranks calculated?
A ranked win adds one to your current streak. A loss or draw resets that streak to zero; your best streak remains saved. The leaderboard lists up to 50 players ordered by best streak, then total wins, then fewer losses. Computer, same-screen, and legacy private-room games do not count.
Can I recover my record on another device?
Guest records are linked to a random token stored in this browser. They do not have an email login. Clearing site data, using another browser profile, or moving to another device loses access to that identity. Use the same browser and the official gomokulive.win address for future visits. Do not share your player token.
Can I undo a move?
Undo is available for local practice and same-screen games. Ranked online moves cannot be undone. After a ranked game finishes, find a new opponent for the next game.
Who do I contact about a problem?
Use the contact page for feedback, game problems, and privacy questions. Include the device, browser, and the action that caused the issue. Never include private player or seat tokens.
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