Game guide · RJCWPX
Hex: rules and examples
Check the rule below as you play. Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. The game area remains available above the explanation. 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.
Take a closer look while playing
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. 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.
What the game asks you to do
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Start here and follow along
- 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
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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Work through an example
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Watch out for this
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. 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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
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 instructions above use these same rules.
For this game, 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.
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. The instructions above use these same rules.
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.
For this game, how many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The controls work with mouse or touch.
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.
When I start, what changes when I swap?
The players exchange colours and goals. The opening stone stays on the same cell. The controls work with mouse or touch.
On this page, can I move a placed stone?
No. Each turn places one new stone on an empty cell. The instructions above use these same rules.
When I start, can I play with another person?
Yes, by selecting two players on this device. There is no online room or remote opponent. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.