Game guide · XINNINGBAO
Making your first moves in Hex
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction. 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
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.
What you need to achieve
A careful first move helps you understand the round. Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Start here and follow along
- 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.
Keyboard and screen 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. The game area remains available above the explanation.
A useful 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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Keep this in mind
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. 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 about this game
When I start, 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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
When I start, 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 worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
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. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
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. The game is played locally in your browser.
When I start, how many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The controls work with mouse or touch.
During a round, which sides am I connecting?
The caption shows your current colour. Blue links top and bottom; red links left and right. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
For this game, what changes when I swap?
The players exchange colours and goals. The opening stone stays on the same cell. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
For this game, can I move a placed stone?
No. Each turn places one new stone on an empty cell. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
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.