Game guide · QWBEN
Find your footing in Hex
Take a moment to check the current turn. 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
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. After the opening stone, the second player can swap colours and goal edges instead of placing a stone.
What you are aiming for
Take a moment to check the current turn. Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Work through the instructions
- 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.
Getting comfortable with the controls
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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.
An example to follow
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. 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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Check this before moving on
Read the position before choosing your next action. 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.
Clarifying the way this game works
During a round, what is the aim of Hex?
Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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. A new round resets the current game.
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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
When I start, 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.
During a round, how many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The game is played locally in your browser.
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 controls work with mouse or touch.
During a round, what changes when I swap?
The players exchange colours and goals. The opening stone stays on the same cell. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
During a round, 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. The controls work with mouse or touch.