Game guide · ZGHEHE
Rules, controls and help for Hex
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. 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.
Take a closer look while playing
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. 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.
The objective of a round
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
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.
Making selections and moves
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
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.
A common point of confusion
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. The game area remains available above the explanation.
More answers before you play
On this page, what is the aim of Hex?
Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
How do the controls work?
Tap an empty hexagon. Swap sides is available only to the second player immediately after the first stone. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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. A new round resets the current 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. No download or player account is required.
During a round, how many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The game is played locally in your browser.
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 controls work with mouse or touch.
When I start, what changes when I swap?
The players exchange colours and goals. The opening stone stays on the same cell. The instructions above use these same rules.
Can I move a placed stone?
No. Each turn places one new stone on an empty cell. The game is played locally in your browser.
Can I play with another person?
Yes, by selecting two players on this device. There is no online room or remote opponent. The instructions above use these same rules.