Wuziqi

Wuziqi, also known as Gomoku or Five in a Row, is a two-player abstract strategy board game. It is typically played on a Go board, using black and white stones placed on the intersections. The objective is to be the first player to form an unbroken line of five stones in a row, in any direction: horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Stones are not removed from the board once placed, and players alternate turns placing a stone on an empty intersection. A line of five or more consecutive stones qualifies as a win in standard play.

Gameplay and rules are simple to learn, but the game can be deeply strategic. A win requires creating a five-in-a-row while simultaneously preventing the opponent from doing the same. Because no captures occur in the basic version, the focus is on building threats and blocking defenses.

Variants and balance: The free-style form allows open opening moves with few restrictions, which can give a strong first-move advantage. A competitive variant known as Renju introduces balance rules for the Black player, including forbidden moves such as double-three, double-four, and the overline (six or more in a row). The first move is often centered, and additional restrictions apply to reduce opening bias.

History and scope: Wuziqi has origins in China and has been played for centuries in various forms. Internationally, it is known as Gomoku or Five in a Row and is played casually online as well as in organized competitions. The game emphasizes pattern recognition, strategic planning, and the management of multiple simultaneous threats.