Overview
Renju is the professional version of Gomoku, with special rules added to balance the strong first-player advantage. Black has restrictions on certain winning patterns, making the game more competitive and strategic at high levels.
History
Renju was developed in Japan in the early 20th century to balance Gomoku's first-player advantage. It is governed by the Renju International Federation, which organizes world championships.
Around the world
- Gomoku
- Five in a Row
Strategy
As Black, be extremely careful about double threats - they might be forbidden.
As White, use Black's restrictions against them by forcing positions.
An overline threat can be a defensive tool for White - Black cannot complete it.
Learn the forbidden patterns thoroughly before playing seriously.
The opening moves are crucial
Professional study of opening theory helps.
Look for complex forcing sequences that don't involve forbidden moves.
Sometimes a single threat is better than a double threat for Black.
Frequently asked questions
Get exactly five stones in a row horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Black must avoid making forbidden patterns.