Game guide · 2COU99BJ
Getting started with Hex
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. Start a new round when you are ready to try again. 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.
A small practice goal
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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
The challenge in front of you
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones.
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.
Making selections and moves
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. 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
Check the rule below as you play. 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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Keep this in mind
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. Two touching corners are not a shared hexagon edge. A legal connection uses one of each cell’s six edge neighbours. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Read these answers for extra help
For this game, what is the aim of Hex?
Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. No download or player account is required.
When I start, how do the controls work?
Tap an empty hexagon. Swap sides is available only to the second player immediately after the first stone. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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. The instructions above use these same rules.
When I start, how many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. You can start a new round from the game controls.
Which sides am I connecting?
The caption shows your current colour. Blue links top and bottom; red links left and right. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
During a round, what changes when I swap?
The players exchange colours and goals. The opening stone stays on the same cell. The game is played locally in your browser.
For this game, can I move a placed stone?
No. Each turn places one new stone on an empty cell. The game is played locally in your browser.
On this page, can I play with another person?
Yes, by selecting two players on this device. There is no online room or remote opponent. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.