Game guide · JK-TJ
An introduction to playing Hex
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. The game area remains available above the explanation. Play on a 7×7 hexagonal board. Blue connects top to bottom; red connects left to right.
7×7 Hex with optional opening swap, basic local computer strategy and same-device two-player mode. Not internet matchmaking.
Practice beyond the first move
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. After the opening stone, the second player can swap colours and goal edges instead of placing a stone. The game area remains available above the explanation.
The purpose of your moves
Check the rule below as you play. Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Follow these playing steps
- Play on a 7×7 hexagonal board. Blue connects top to bottom; red connects left to right.
- Place one stone in an empty cell. Once placed, stones stay fixed.
- After the opening stone, the second player can swap colours and goal edges instead of placing a stone.
- The first connected path across the assigned edges wins. Select computer play or two players on one device before a round.
Making selections and moves
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. Tap an empty hexagon. Swap sides is available only to the second player immediately after the first stone. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
One way to understand the rules
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. A blue chain joining the top and bottom edges wins even if it bends across the board. Cells sharing only a point are not neighbours. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
A common point of confusion
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Two touching corners are not a shared hexagon edge. A legal connection uses one of each cell’s six edge neighbours.
Further help with the game
On this page, what is the aim of Hex?
Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
How do the controls work?
Tap an empty hexagon. Swap sides is available only to the second player immediately after the first stone. A new round resets the current game.
During a round, can you show an example?
A blue chain joining the top and bottom edges wins even if it bends across the board. Cells sharing only a point are not neighbours. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
When I start, which mistake should I avoid?
Two touching corners are not a shared hexagon edge. A legal connection uses one of each cell’s six edge neighbours. The game is played locally in your browser.
During a round, what rules and limits are used here?
7×7 Hex with optional opening swap, basic local computer strategy and same-device two-player mode. Not internet matchmaking. No download or player account is required.
When I start, how many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
Which sides am I connecting?
The caption shows your current colour. Blue links top and bottom; red links left and right. The instructions above use these same rules.
During a round, what changes when I swap?
The players exchange colours and goals. The opening stone stays on the same cell. A new round resets the current game.
On this page, can I move a placed stone?
No. Each turn places one new stone on an empty cell. The controls work with mouse or touch.
During a round, can I play with another person?
Yes, by selecting two players on this device. There is no online room or remote opponent. You can start a new round from the game controls.