Game guide · ZJJ-HC
A practical guide to Hex
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. 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.
Bring this focus to a round
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. After the opening stone, the second player can swap colours and goal edges instead of placing a stone.
Aim for this result
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
How a round unfolds
- 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.
Your inputs
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. The game area remains available above the explanation.
A useful example
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. The game area remains available above the explanation.
A useful caution
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. 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
During a round, 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. The instructions above use these same rules.
During a round, 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.
On this page, 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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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. A new round resets the current game.
On this page, 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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
On this page, what changes when I swap?
The players exchange colours and goals. The opening stone stays on the same cell. The controls work with mouse or touch.
Can I move a placed stone?
No. Each turn places one new stone on an empty cell. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
Can I play with another person?
Yes, by selecting two players on this device. There is no online room or remote opponent. A new round resets the current game.