Game guide · XDSTMALL
Read before your next round of Hex
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.
7×7 Hex with optional opening swap, basic local computer strategy and same-device two-player mode. Not internet matchmaking.
A small practice goal
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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Your objective
Check the rule below as you play. 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.
Using the playing area
Read the position before choosing your next action. 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 example and rules describe the same game you can play above. 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.
Where a round can go wrong
Two touching corners are not a shared hexagon edge. A legal connection uses one of each cell’s six edge neighbours. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
If you are unsure
For this game, what is the aim of Hex?
Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. The controls work with mouse or touch.
When I start, 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.
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.
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.
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. The instructions above use these same rules.
When I start, how many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. A new round resets the current game.
On this page, which sides am I connecting?
The caption shows your current colour. Blue links top and bottom; red links left and right. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
What changes when I swap?
The players exchange colours and goals. The opening stone stays on the same cell. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
During a round, 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 game is played locally in your browser.