Game guide · BJHRWTGDGC
Making your first moves in Hex
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. 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
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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.
The purpose of your moves
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
A walkthrough of the rules
- 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 your actions work
Check the rule below as you play. Tap an empty hexagon. Swap sides is available only to the second player immediately after the first stone.
Learn from a sample situation
Take a moment to check the current turn. 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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Keep this in mind
Check the rule below as you play. 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.
Questions about this game
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.
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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
During a round, 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 instructions above use these same rules.
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. The game is played locally in your browser.
For this game, 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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
During a round, how many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
On this page, 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.
On this page, what changes when I swap?
The players exchange colours and goals. The opening stone stays on the same cell. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
When I start, 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.
When I start, can I play with another person?
Yes, by selecting two players on this device. There is no online room or remote opponent. The instructions above use these same rules.