Game guide · YCBY120
Getting started with 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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move. 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.
Understand the aim
Read the position before choosing your next action. Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Follow these playing steps
- 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.
Choosing and moving on screen
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. 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 before you play
The board gives you the information needed for the next 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.
Notice this detail
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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.
Further help with the game
What is the aim of Hex?
Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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. No download or player account is required.
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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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. No download or player account is required.
On this page, 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.
When I start, 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.
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.
During a round, 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 controls work with mouse or touch.