五子棋

The objective is to place five of your stones in a consecutive horizontal, vertical, or diagonal line before your opponent does. Players take turns placing one stone per turn on the grid intersections.

The game begins with an empty board, and the first player (usually black) makes the opening move. Your primary focus should be on building your own rows while simultaneously blocking your opponent's potential lines of four or five.

A key beginner strategy is to create 'forks'—positions where you threaten to complete two separate lines of four stones on your next turn, making it impossible for your opponent to block both. In the early game, control the center of the board to maximize your options.

In the mid-game, pay close attention to your opponent's patterns and anticipate their threats. During tense endgame moments, carefully scan the entire board for any immediate winning moves for either player, as a single overlooked threat can end the match.