Game guide · PYZSB
Know the goal in Hex
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. 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.
Practice with a purpose
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.
Aim for this result
Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
How to proceed
- 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.
Getting comfortable with the controls
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. 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 to follow
Take a moment to check the current turn. 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.
Where a round can go wrong
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. Two touching corners are not a shared hexagon edge. A legal connection uses one of each cell’s six edge neighbours.
Questions that come up during play
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.
On this page, 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.
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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
On this page, how many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. No download or player account is required.
During a round, which sides am I connecting?
The caption shows your current colour. Blue links top and bottom; red links left and right. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
On this page, what changes when I swap?
The players exchange colours and goals. The opening stone stays on the same cell. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
Can I move a placed stone?
No. Each turn places one new stone on an empty cell. You can start a new round from the game controls.
Can I play with another person?
Yes, by selecting two players on this device. There is no online room or remote opponent. You can start a new round from the game controls.