Pente
Connect five in a row or capture 10 stones by sandwiching pairs. A blend of Gomoku and capture mechanics.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the difference between Pente and Gomoku?
Gomoku only has the five-in-a-row winning condition. Pente adds a capture mechanic — sandwiching pairs of opponent stones to remove them — and a second win condition of capturing 10 stones. This makes Pente more dynamic and tactical.
Can I capture three or more stones in a row?
No. Only exactly two adjacent opponent stones can be captured by sandwiching. A line of three or more stones is safe. However, if a longer line has a pair within it, that pair can be captured.
Is the first player (Black) advantaged?
In tournament Pente, Black has a slight first-move advantage. To balance this, tournament rules sometimes restrict Black's opening moves. In casual play, the advantage is manageable with good defense.
What's the best opening strategy?
Start near the center of the board to maximize your options. Focus on creating multiple threats — open threes and open fours — while keeping your pairs safe from capture. Balance offense with defense.
Explore Game Details
About Pente
Pente is a strategy board game invented in 1977 by Gary Gabrel, based on the ancient Japanese game Ninuki-renju. Played on a 19×19 grid, it uniquely combines the goal of connecting five stones in a row with a capture mechanic where sandwiching pairs of opponent stones removes them from the board.
Benefits
Playing Pente develops strategic foresight, pattern recognition, and dual-threat thinking. You must balance offensive play (building your own lines) with defensive awareness (protecting your pairs from being captured), making it an excellent brain-training exercise.
How to Play
- The game is played on a 19×19 grid. Black moves first, then players alternate turns placing one stone on any empty intersection.
- Win by forming an unbroken line of five or more of your stones — horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
- Alternatively, win by capturing 10 or more of your opponent's stones. A capture occurs when you place stones on both ends of a pair of adjacent opponent stones (sandwiching them).
- Only exactly two adjacent opponent stones can be captured. A line of three or more is safe from sandwiching.
- You can safely place your stones into a sandwiching position — this does not result in your own stones being captured.
- The game ends immediately when a player achieves five-in-a-row or reaches 10 captures.
Strategy Tips
Control the center: Stones near the center have more line-building potential in all directions.
Create double threats: Position your stones to simultaneously threaten five-in-a-row and a capture, forcing your opponent to choose which to block.
Protect your pairs: Always be aware of pairs you've placed — they can be captured. Avoid placing pairs unless you have a follow-up plan.
Watch for open fours: An open four (four in a row with both ends open) is an unstoppable threat. Block your opponent's open threes before they become open fours.
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