Game guide · AHOPENG
Learn the rules of Hex
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 game area remains available above the explanation. Play on a 7×7 hexagonal board. Blue connects top to bottom; red connects left to right. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
7×7 Hex with optional opening swap, basic local computer strategy and same-device two-player mode. Not internet matchmaking.
Try a more deliberate round
Check the rule below as you play. 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 you need to achieve
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
How to proceed
- 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
Read the position before choosing your next action. Tap an empty hexagon. Swap sides is available only to the second player immediately after the first stone. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
A closer look at one example
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your 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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
A common point of confusion
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. 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.
Questions that come up during play
For this game, what is the aim of Hex?
Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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. The worked example offers another way to follow the 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. The controls work with mouse or touch.
During a round, 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.
On this page, 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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
On this page, 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.
On this page, 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.
On this page, what changes when I swap?
The players exchange colours and goals. The opening stone stays on the same cell. No download or player account is required.
During a round, can I move a placed stone?
No. Each turn places one new stone on an empty cell. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
Can I play with another person?
Yes, by selecting two players on this device. There is no online room or remote opponent. Use the labelled controls for your next action.