Game guide · 2COPE
Read before your next round of Hex
Check the rule below as you play. 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 beyond the first move
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. 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.
Aim for this result
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
The order of play
- 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.
Choosing and moving on screen
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.
Put the rules into context
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
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Two touching corners are not a shared hexagon edge. A legal connection uses one of each cell’s six edge neighbours. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Clarifying the way this game works
What is the aim of Hex?
Connect your two opposite edges with an unbroken chain of your stones. You can start a new round from the game controls.
When I start, 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.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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. The controls work with mouse or touch.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
On this page, how many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The instructions above use these same rules.
For this game, which sides am I connecting?
The caption shows your current colour. Blue links top and bottom; red links left and right. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
During a round, what changes when I swap?
The players exchange colours and goals. The opening stone stays on the same cell. No download or player account is required.
When I start, can I move a placed stone?
No. Each turn places one new stone on an empty cell. The controls work with mouse or touch.
For this game, can I play with another person?
Yes, by selecting two players on this device. There is no online room or remote opponent. You can start a new round from the game controls.
