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12 Gomoku attack & defense puzzles

Find a winning move, block four stones, then build a two-way threat.

Black to move. Tap an empty intersection, or use arrow keys and Enter or Space.

Independent 9×9 teaching positions, not opening positions. Free rules: five or more wins; no forbidden moves.

Choose a puzzle

  1. Finish the row

    Make five with this move.

    Hint

    Look for an empty point on a line with four black stones.

  2. Finish the column

    Make five with this move.

    Hint

    Look for an empty point on a line with four black stones.

  3. Follow the diagonal

    Make five with this move.

    Hint

    Look for an empty point on a line with four black stones.

  4. Fill the gap

    Make five with this move.

    Hint

    Look for an empty point on a line with four black stones.

  5. Block the row

    Prevent White from winning on the next move.

    Hint

    Find the empty point that gives White five.

  6. Block the column

    Prevent White from winning on the next move.

    Hint

    Find the empty point that gives White five.

  7. Block the other diagonal

    Prevent White from winning on the next move.

    Hint

    Find the empty point that gives White five.

  8. Block a broken four

    Prevent White from winning on the next move.

    Hint

    Find the empty point that gives White five.

  9. An open four

    Create at least two winning next moves without allowing White an immediate win.

    Hint

    Look for a shape that still wins after one end is blocked.

  10. An open diagonal

    Create at least two winning next moves without allowing White an immediate win.

    Hint

    Look for a shape that still wins after one end is blocked.

  11. Win before defending

    Make five with this move.

    Hint

    Look for an empty point on a line with four black stones.

  12. Two crossing threats

    Create at least two winning next moves without allowing White an immediate win.

    Hint

    Look for a shape that still wins after one end is blocked.