Overview
Hex is a two-player abstract strategy game played on a rhombus-shaped board of hexagonal cells. One of the purest connection games, it has extremely simple rules but deep strategy. Unlike most games, Hex cannot end in a draw.
History
Hex was invented independently by mathematicians Piet Hein (1942) and John Nash (1948). Nash proved that the first player has a winning strategy, though finding it is computationally hard.
Around the world
- Polygon
- Nash
Strategy
The center is powerful
It can potentially contribute to paths in any direction.
Build bridge connections (two pieces separated by two cells) - they create virtually connected chains.
Look for forcing moves that threaten two connections simultaneously.
Edge templates are reliable patterns for connecting to your edge regardless of opponent's moves.
When defending, focus on which connections you can still block, not on saving every threatened piece.
The first player has a theoretical winning strategy, hence the swap rule is used for balance.
Frequently asked questions
Connect your two opposite sides of the board with an unbroken chain of your pieces.