Game guide · WWJSMY
Rules, controls and help for 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. Play on a 7×7 hexagonal board. Blue connects top to bottom; red connects left to right. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
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.
What you need to achieve
Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
The order of 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 interact with the game
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Tap an empty hexagon. Swap sides is available only to the second player immediately after the first stone.
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.
A common point of confusion
Take a moment to check the current turn. Two touching corners are not a shared hexagon edge. A legal connection uses one of each cell’s six edge neighbours. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Answers about the rules and controls
For this game, what is the aim of Hex?
Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
During a round, how do the controls work?
Tap an empty hexagon. Swap sides is available only to the second player immediately after the first stone. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
For this game, 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.
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 controls work with mouse or touch.
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. The controls work with mouse or touch.
On this page, how many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The instructions above use these same rules.
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.
For this game, what changes when I swap?
The players exchange colours and goals. The opening stone stays on the same cell. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
During a round, 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.
For this game, 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.