Game guide · CXCWGS
An introduction to playing Hex
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. 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
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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
What you need to achieve
Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones.
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.
Keyboard and screen controls
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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
One way to understand the rules
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.
Pay attention to this rule
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. Two touching corners are not a shared hexagon edge. A legal connection uses one of each cell’s six edge neighbours. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Clarifying the way this game works
On this page, what is the aim of Hex?
Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
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. The game is played locally in your browser.
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 worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
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. No download or player account is required.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
How many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The instructions above use these same rules.
Which sides am I connecting?
The caption shows your current colour. Blue links top and bottom; red links left and right. You can start a new round from the game controls.
During a round, what changes when I swap?
The players exchange colours and goals. The opening stone stays on the same cell. No download or player account is required.
On this page, 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.
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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
