Rules/ability list

Basic rules

Cyber Gomoku is a board game where the player who lines up 5 Go stones (CYAN or MAGENTA) of their own color vertically, horizontally, or diagonally on a 15x15 board wins. The basic rules are the same as traditional "Gomoku", but the presence of cyber items, which will be described later, creates unique readings.

• Board: 15 x 15 squares. Players take turns placing one stone at a time.
• Victory conditions: Arrange five of your stones either vertically, horizontally, or diagonally.
• Draw: If the board is completely filled and there is still no winner, the game will be a draw.

Forbidden moves on the first move

Gomoku is known to be a game where the first player has an advantage. In order to maintain fairness in Cyber Gomoku, only the first player (CYAN) can make the following moves. Since you cannot move on a square that is a prohibited move, you can proceed with the game even if you do not memorize the rules. Knowing that there are limits to how you can attack if you make the first move will help you judge the situation.

• Sansan: Making two or more ``katsusan'' (a row of three with both ends open) at the same time in one move.
• Shishi: To make two or more "fours" at the same time with one move.
• Choren: Arranging 6 or more stones. 6 in a row on the first move does not result in a victory.

The second move (MAGENTA) does not have these restrictions, and a long run is also treated as a victory.

game mode

• Normal mode: It's pure Gomoku without using items. We will compete with Gomoku's original standard and reading.
• Cyber mode: Before the match starts, select one of three cyber items and play. The ability you select is not displayed to your opponent, so when and where you use it is the key to victory.

Both modes can be played in online battles, CPU battles (difficulty levels EASY/NORMAL/HARD), and exhibitions where you can play alternately on the same screen. Rank points are managed independently for each mode (see details Explanation of the rank system).

Cyber item detailed specifications

Each item can be used up to two times per match. Be sure to understand the risks of each, as well as the effects.

1. Stealth Stones — hide

• Effect: On your turn, you can place a "stealth" stone that is invisible to your opponent.
• Number of uses: Up to 2 times per match.
• Display: It will appear semi-transparent on your screen, and nothing will be displayed on the other person's screen.
• See through (important): If your opponent tries to place a stone on the same square as a stealth Go stone, the stealth Go stone will be revealed and disappear, and the opponent's stone will be placed in that square. The side that placed Stealth will lose one move and the number of uses.
• Victory decision: You can also win if you line up 5 stones including stealth stones. Sometimes the winner or loser is decided without being visible to the opponent.

2. Go stone bomb — destroy

• Effect: On your turn, you can place a bomb on the board that is invisible to your opponent. When your opponent (or yourself) steps on the placed square, it will detonate.
• Number of uses: Up to 2 times per match.
• Explosion range: A 3x3 square centered on the detonated square. All Go stones within the range will disappear from the board, regardless of friend or foe.
• Points to note: Use one hand for installation. Also, your own stones will be caught up in the explosion, so if you place them near your own base, your shape will also collapse.

3. Stone Radar — search

• Effect: Scan the specified 5x5 square area on the board and discover hidden Stealth Stones and bombs.
• Number of uses: Up to 2 times per match. The scan lasts for 5 turns.
• When discovered: Stealth Stones and bombs discovered by radar become visible to both players from that moment on.
• Points to note: If your opponent is not using a hidden item, you will miss. Predicting that the opponent will always use a trap is itself a risk for radar.

Rules FAQ

The proper use of abilities and theories in actual battles Strategy Guide for beginners So, The design intent of setting risks for each item is Balance adjustment article It is explained in detail.