Game guide · MXZTJ
How to play Hex
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction. 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.
One thing to notice as you play
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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
The objective of a round
Take a moment to check the current turn. 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.
Making selections and moves
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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Follow the example
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your 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.
One detail worth checking
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.
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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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 controls work with mouse or touch.
On this page, 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. No download or player account is required.
For this game, 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. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
For this 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.
When I start, 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.
On this page, which sides am I connecting?
The caption shows your current colour. Blue links top and bottom; red links left and right. A new round resets the current game.
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.
For this game, can I move a placed stone?
No. Each turn places one new stone on an empty cell. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
During a round, 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.