Game guide · 371HOTEL
Rules, controls and help for Hex
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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
7×7 Hex with optional opening swap, basic local computer strategy and same-device two-player mode. Not internet matchmaking.
Build familiarity through play
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 you need to achieve
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.
The playing sequence
- 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.
The controls to know
Take a moment to check the current turn. 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.
See the idea in action
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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
A useful caution
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Two touching corners are not a shared hexagon edge. A legal connection uses one of each cell’s six edge neighbours.
More answers before you play
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.
During a round, how do the controls work?
Tap an empty hexagon. Swap sides is available only to the second player immediately after the first stone. A new round resets the current game.
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.
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. No download or player account is required.
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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
On this page, how many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
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.
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.
For this game, can I move a placed stone?
No. Each turn places one new stone on an empty cell. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
On this page, 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.
