Is Gomoku Solved? What "Solved" Really Means
Standard Gomoku without forbidden moves is mathematically proven a first-player win; Renju uses forbidden moves to tame that edge. This piece explains what "solved" actually means.
People often ask whether Gomoku has been "solved" by computers. The answer is: it depends on the rules. This explains what "solved" really means and why competitive Gomoku adds forbidden moves.
No forbidden moves: first player proven to win
On a standard 15 by 15 board with no forbidden moves, mathematicians have proven that the first player, black, has a winning strategy. That means if black plays perfectly every move, white can never win. This is why first move is such an edge in casual Gomoku.
How Renju tames the first move
To make play fair, the competitive rules of Renju add forbidden moves for black: double three, double four and overline all lose for black. This sharply cuts the first-move edge and balances the colors. For the exact moves see our Renju rules page.
- Gomoku without forbidden moves: black has a proven win
- Renju: forbidden moves limit black toward fairness
- Board size, 13, 15 or 19, does not change first-move advantage
Can I still just enjoy it
Yes. For a human, a "winning strategy" means playing perfectly every single move; one slip and the edge vanishes, so casual games stay exciting. YiBoard defaults to no forbidden moves, free, and playable instantly; the first-move edge just makes it livelier, not less fun.
FAQ
Is Gomoku really solved?
Without forbidden moves, first-player win is proven. With forbidden-move rules like Renju, it is not fully solved for the first player.
If first move wins, why play second?
For humans the edge is tiny and vanishes with one mistake, so second player still has a game.
Why do competitive rules forbid moves?
To offset the proven first-move advantage and balance black and white.