Game guide · YXZZZ
Hex: rules and examples
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. 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. 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.
One thing to notice as you play
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 are aiming for
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. The game area remains available above the explanation.
The playing sequence
- 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 interact with the game
A careful first move helps you understand the round. Tap an empty hexagon. Swap sides is available only to the second player immediately after the first stone. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
A useful example
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. 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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Where a round can go wrong
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.
More answers before you play
When I start, what is the aim of Hex?
Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. The controls work with mouse or touch.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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.
When I start, 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.
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 worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
For this game, what changes when I swap?
The players exchange colours and goals. The opening stone stays on the same cell. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
Can I move a placed stone?
No. Each turn places one new stone on an empty cell. You can start a new round from the game controls.
For this game, 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.