Game guide · JXLGGC
Learn the rules of 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. The game area remains available above the explanation. Play on a 7×7 hexagonal board. Blue connects top to bottom; red connects left to right.
7×7 Hex with optional opening swap, basic local computer strategy and same-device two-player mode. Not internet matchmaking.
Bring this focus to a round
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. 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 objective of a round
Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Start here and follow along
- 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
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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
An example to follow
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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
A mistake to avoid
Take a moment to check the current turn. 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.
Read these answers for extra help
For this game, what is the aim of Hex?
Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. No download or player account is required.
During a round, how do the controls work?
Tap an empty hexagon. Swap sides is available only to the second player immediately after the first stone. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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. No download or player account is required.
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.
When I start, 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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
On this page, how many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. No download or player account is required.
On this page, which sides am I connecting?
The caption shows your current colour. Blue links top and bottom; red links left and right. No download or player account is required.
When I start, 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.
For this game, can I move a placed stone?
No. Each turn places one new stone on an empty cell. The controls work with mouse or touch.
Can I play with another person?
Yes, by selecting two players on this device. There is no online room or remote opponent. The controls work with mouse or touch.
