Game guide · ZING22
Hex: how a round works
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. 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.
Practice with a purpose
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 need to achieve
Check the rule below as you play. Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones.
Follow these playing steps
- 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
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. The game area remains available above the explanation.
A useful example
Take a moment to check the current turn. 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.
A mistake to avoid
Take a moment to check the current turn. 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.
Answers about the rules and controls
During a round, what is the aim of Hex?
Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. A new round resets the current game.
On this page, how do the controls work?
Tap an empty hexagon. Swap sides is available only to the second player immediately after the first stone. The game is played locally in your browser.
On this page, 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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
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.
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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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.
During a round, which sides am I connecting?
The caption shows your current colour. Blue links top and bottom; red links left and right. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
On this page, what changes when I swap?
The players exchange colours and goals. The opening stone stays on the same cell. A new round resets the current game.
During a round, can I move a placed stone?
No. Each turn places one new stone on an empty cell. You can start a new round from the game controls.
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 instructions above use these same rules.
