Gomoku: five stones in a row

Gomoku: Five Stones in a Row is a strategic board game designed for two opponents. On a grid of 19x19 points (for the traditional format) or 15x15 (for the modern competitive version), players take turns placing stones of contrasting colors. Victory goes to the player who first creates an unbroken line of five stones in their color, whether arranged vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. The game features numerous variations that differ in specific rule details. It is thought to have originated in China over two millennia ago. Today, it enjoys global recognition, with official sporting tournaments regularly organized around it.