Game guide · XUEWEIBA
The essentials of playing Hex
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. 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
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. After the opening stone, the second player can swap colours and goal edges instead of placing a stone.
The goal to keep in mind
Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones.
Step by step
- 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.
Keyboard and screen controls
The board gives you the information needed for the 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.
An example to follow
Read the position before choosing your next 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.
Avoid this misunderstanding
A careful first move helps you understand the round. Two touching corners are not a shared hexagon edge. A legal connection uses one of each cell’s six edge neighbours. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
If you are unsure
During a round, what is the aim of Hex?
Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. No download or player account is required.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
On this page, 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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
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.
For this game, how many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
When I start, which sides am I connecting?
The caption shows your current colour. Blue links top and bottom; red links left and right. No download or player account is required.
What changes when I swap?
The players exchange colours and goals. The opening stone stays on the same cell. The game is played locally in your browser.
On this page, can I move a placed stone?
No. Each turn places one new stone on an empty cell. The controls work with mouse or touch.
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. A new round resets the current game.
