Game guide · GSAZJC
Your guide to Hex
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. 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.
Give this approach a try
Take a moment to check the current turn. After the opening stone, the second player can swap colours and goal edges instead of placing a stone. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
What the game asks you to do
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
The steps to play
- 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.
How to use the controls
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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Follow the example
Read the position before choosing your 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.
Notice this detail
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. Two touching corners are not a shared hexagon edge. A legal connection uses one of each cell’s six edge neighbours. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Questions that come up during play
What is the aim of Hex?
Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
How do the controls work?
Tap an empty hexagon. Swap sides is available only to the second player immediately after the first stone. The controls work with mouse or touch.
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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
When I start, 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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
On this page, how many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
For this game, which sides am I connecting?
The caption shows your current colour. Blue links top and bottom; red links left and right. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
During a round, what changes when I swap?
The players exchange colours and goals. The opening stone stays on the same cell. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
Can I move a placed stone?
No. Each turn places one new stone on an empty cell. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
When I start, can I play with another person?
Yes, by selecting two players on this device. There is no online room or remote opponent. No download or player account is required.