Game guide · 58BLOG
The essentials of playing Hex
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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.
Build familiarity through play
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. After the opening stone, the second player can swap colours and goal edges instead of placing a stone.
The purpose of your moves
Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. The game area remains available above the explanation.
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.
Choosing and moving on screen
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your 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.
Try this example
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. 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.
A useful caution
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. The game area remains available above the explanation.
More answers before you play
What is the aim of Hex?
Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. The instructions above use these same rules.
For this game, how do the controls work?
Tap an empty hexagon. Swap sides is available only to the second player immediately after the first stone. The game is played locally in your browser.
When I start, 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.
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. No download or player account is required.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
On this page, how many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
For this game, 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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
Can I move a placed stone?
No. Each turn places one new stone on an empty cell. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
Can I play with another person?
Yes, by selecting two players on this device. There is no online room or remote opponent. No download or player account is required.
