About Gomoku (Five in a Row / Caro)
Gomoku — known as Caro in Vietnam, 五目並べ in Japan and 오목 in Korea — is a classic strategy game played on a grid. Two players take turns placing stones; the first to get five in an unbroken row (horizontal, vertical or diagonal) wins. Simple rules, deep strategy.
How to play
- Players alternate placing one stone on an empty intersection.
- Black usually moves first.
- Make an unbroken line of exactly five of your stones to win.
- Block your opponent while building your own double threats.
Tips & strategy
- Create "open threes" and "fours" that force your opponent to defend.
- Watch for double-threats (two lines at once) — they are unstoppable.
- Control the centre early for more line options.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gomoku the same as Caro?
Yes. Caro is the Vietnamese name for Gomoku / Five in a Row. Some Caro variants require the winning five to be unblocked on both ends.
Who wins in Gomoku?
The first player to place five of their stones in a continuous horizontal, vertical or diagonal line wins.
Can I play Gomoku against the computer?
Yes — you can play against the AI at several difficulty levels, or pass-and-play with a friend.