Game guide · SXSMQZJ
Learn the rules of Hex
Take a moment to check the current turn. 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. 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.
An idea for your next attempt
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. 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.
Aim for this result
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.
The playing sequence
- 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.
Using the playing area
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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Try this example
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. 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.
One detail worth checking
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.
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. The game is played locally in your browser.
On this page, 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.
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. The game is played locally in your browser.
For this game, 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 instructions above use these same rules.
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.
How many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. No download or player account is required.
During a round, which sides am I connecting?
The caption shows your current colour. Blue links top and bottom; red links left and right. The game is played locally in your browser.
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.
When I start, 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.
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.
