Game guide · HNSZDS
An introduction to playing Hex
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. Start a new round when you are ready to try again. 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.
Something to practise
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. After the opening stone, the second player can swap colours and goal edges instead of placing a stone.
What counts as success
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
The steps to play
- 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.
Making selections and moves
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.
A closer look at one example
Check the rule below as you play. 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.
An important reminder
Read the position before choosing your next action. Two touching corners are not a shared hexagon edge. A legal connection uses one of each cell’s six edge neighbours. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Questions about this 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.
For this game, how do the controls work?
Tap an empty hexagon. Swap sides is available only to the second player immediately after the first stone. No download or player account is required.
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 controls work with mouse or touch.
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. The controls work with mouse or touch.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
During a round, how many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The controls work with mouse or touch.
On this page, which sides am I connecting?
The caption shows your current colour. Blue links top and bottom; red links left and right. The instructions above use these same rules.
For this game, 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.
For this game, 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.
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.