Choose how you want to play
- Two devices, one private room
- Create a room and share its code. You both need an internet connection, but you can use different supported platforms.
- One device, two local players
- Pass a phone, tablet or computer between you. Choose Offline / Play on one device and create named local players.
- A regular friend to challenge again
- Use the Friends area with a registered account to find a player and send direct challenges. A private room code is the quick way to arrange a single match.
Create and join a private room
- Open Gomoku Party in your browser. Each player uses their own device or browser session. You can start as a guest or sign in.
- The host opens Party Code and selects Create room code. Some releases call this Party Host.
- Share the generated four-character code with your friend. Keep the waiting room open. You can also use the invitation link or QR code shown in supported versions.
- Your friend opens Party Code, chooses Join Code or Enter room code, enters the code and selects Join.
- The game starts when your friend joins. Follow the board’s opening prompts before taking ordinary turns.
Room codes wait for a player for ten minutes. Creating a new room replaces your previous waiting code. Share the newest code so your friend joins the right room.
What happens on the first moves?
Connect exactly five of your stones horizontally, vertically or diagonally. In Gomoku Party, a line of six or more does not win. The game’s chosen ruleset determines any opening procedure or extra restrictions.
If the board asks one player to place Black, White, then Black, you are setting up a Swap2 opening. The other player chooses a colour or adds two stones; after colour selection, White moves next. Follow the prompts rather than alternating devices after each setup stone.
New to the game? Start with the Gomoku rules, then learn to recognize an open four in the illustrated strategy guide.
Can we play on different devices?
Yes. The browser game, iPhone and iPad app, and Android test version use the same online service. One player can use a phone while the other plays in a desktop browser. The browser game needs no download.
Android is still available through Google Play testing. If you cannot join that test, use the browser version instead. Find the current download and test links on the platform selection.
If your friend cannot join
- The code is not found or is no longer available
- Ask the host to create a fresh room. An expired, cancelled or already joined room cannot accept a new opponent. Copy all four characters from the current waiting screen.
- You are trying both sides on the same account
- The host cannot join their own room. Use two different player sessions for an online match, or choose local play when sharing a device.
- The connection drops during the match
- Restore your connection and return to the active match. Online games need a connection, and a running game clock may continue while you are disconnected.
If a fresh code still fails, see the support page. Include the platform and error message, but never send your password.
Do we need accounts or a subscription?
Private room play and the browser game are free. Guests can create and join private rooms. A registered account is needed for account-based community features such as friends and scoring in the Nations Cup; guest access does not make every competitive feature available.
Prefer to practise before inviting someone? Use the tactical puzzles or review the threat examples. You do not need to wait for an online opponent to study a position.