No.254
Five in a Row
Japanese name: 五目並べ
Materials
- A Go board or a board drawn with grid lines
- Black and white stones, or large discs in two colours
How to play
- Confirm that pieces go on line intersections, and choose black or white. Black starts; alternate placing one piece on an empty intersection.
- Once placed, pieces do not move, and opponents' pieces are not captured. Aim to connect your own pieces in one straight horizontal, vertical or diagonal line.
- This introductory version has no forbidden moves such as a double-three. The first line of five or more consecutive pieces wins. A gap or opposing piece interrupts the line.
- When a line of five is made, its player points it out and the opponent checks the count. If the board fills without a winning line, call a draw.
- Swap colours for the next game. For a preschool introduction, use large discs on a small 3 × 3 board and aim for three in a row instead.
Ways to adapt
Preschool children: three in a row on a large 3 × 3 grid. Younger primary school children: a 9 × 9 grid. Older primary school children: a larger board.