Game guide · HBCYGSL
An introduction to playing Hex
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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. 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.
An idea for your next attempt
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.
What the game asks you to do
A careful first move helps you understand the round. Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
From the start of a round
- 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
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. Tap an empty hexagon. Swap sides is available only to the second player immediately after the first stone. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
See how the rules apply
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.
Avoid this misunderstanding
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.
Further help with the game
When I start, what is the aim of Hex?
Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. The instructions above use these same rules.
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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
On this page, 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. A new round resets the current game.
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 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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
During a round, 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.
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.
During a round, can I move a placed stone?
No. Each turn places one new stone on an empty cell. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
Can I play with another person?
Yes, by selecting two players on this device. There is no online room or remote opponent. The game is played locally in your browser.