I first discovered the classic strategy game Gomoku 10 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Recently, I was delighted to find it available on iPhone‘s iMessage app via GamePigeon. In this guide as an experienced game analyst, I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know to start playing Gomoku using the GamePigeon platform.
A Brief History of Gomoku
Gomoku, also known as Five in a Row or Go-Moku, traces its origins to Japan in the late 1800s as a variation of Go, one of the world‘s oldest board games. The game began spreading to China in the early 20th century, where it gained the name Wuziqi. By the 1930s, the game had reached Europe and America as Gobang or Five in a Row.[^1] [^1]: Bell, R. C. (1979). Board and table games from many civilizations (pp. 77-78). Courier Corporation.
Unlike Go which uses pieces called stones, Gomoku is played directly on a grid board by placing pieces on the intersections. This quicker, more accessible gameplay made it popular as a paper-and-pencil game.
The World Gomoku Federation was founded in the 1980s to standardize rules and organize international tournaments. Classic Gomoku continues to have devotees around the world today. The version available on iMessage makes it easy to play this ancient game with friends.
Popularity of GamePigeon‘s iMessage Games
GamePigeon exploded onto the scene shortly after Apple announced the new App Store for iMessage alongside iOS 10 in 2016.
| Year | GamePigeon Downloads |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 million |
| 2017 | 13 million |
| 2018 | 25 million |
Offering over 20 bite-sized casual games playable within message threads, GamePigeon swiftly became the most downloaded iMessage entertainment app. As of 2022, it has accrued over 300 million downloads and shows no signs of slowing.[^2] [^2]: Sensor Tower Store Intelligence estimates, 2022
Getting Started on GamePigeon
GamePigeon‘s intuitively designed interface makes jumping into a game with friends a breeze. Just follow these steps:
Step 1: Download GamePigeon
Tap the app store icon within a message thread, search for "GamePigeon" and tap Get to download.
Step 2: Open GamePigeon in a Chat
Once installed, the GamePigeon icon will be available when you tap the app store thumbnail in any iMessage thread. Opening it will reveal the scrolling game catalog.
Step 3: Pick Gomoku!
Scroll down and select Gomoku to initialize a board and start playing immediately against your friend.
Now let‘s get into the game itself – how to play Gomoku and recommended tips & strategies for winning!
How to Play Gomoku
Gomoku is played between two opponents on a 15 x 15 lined grid. Players take alternate turns placing their color stone (black or white) on empty intersections of the lines.
The first player to form an unbroken row of 5 stones – horizontally, vertically or diagonally – wins the game. This is called "Gomoku" meaning five stones in Japanese.
Example of Black forming Gomoku
The game ends when one player gets Gomoku or when all intersections fill up – resulting in a tie.
Standard rules dictate that Black plays first as White has a slight advantage in achieving the first row. However, on iMessage, GamePigeon randomly assigns first turn.
Winning Strategies & Tips
While Gomoku involves some luck in stone placement order, there are defininte strategic concepts that will improve your chances:
- Claim the corners and center – These provide the most opportunities for row creation
- Block smartly – Pay attention to block your opponent from getting rows of 4 by interrupting strategically
- Avoid over-blocking – Don‘t create easy channels for your opponent!
- Trap rows – Force groups of 2 or 3 opponent stones together to limit their row creation options
As you play, also keep an eye out for chances to break your opponent‘s rows by wedging your color in.
With practice, you‘ll get better at seeing row opportunities and hindering your opponent. That intuition will help you win!
Now that you know the basics, let‘s get into some winning mindsets and game theory…
Variations Beyond Standard Rules
While classic Gomoku has standardized 15 x 15 boards and "first to 5 in a row wins" rules, many cultures and tournaments have created adaptations:
Board Size
- 19 x 19 boards are commonly used for more complex strategy
- Larger boards emphasize enclosing territory over row creation
Win Conditions
- The "Swap Back Rule" requires 6 in a row to win, preventing trap wins
- Some play first to form two unbroken rows of 5
Piece Color
- Black may go first always due to white‘s marginal advantage
- Players randomly determine order each game
On GamePigeon, the classic rules are followed. But trying different house rules can refresh your play!
How Gomoku Compares to Similar Games
Gomoku clearly derives from Go with its stone placing and territory control. But its row creation concept is also seen in tic-tac-toe variants and grid strategy games like:
Go
- Played on 19 x 19 grid (can be 9 x 9 to 13 x 13)
- Uses white & black stones to surround territory
- Complex scoring system, nuanced strategy
Othello/Reversi
- 8 x 8 board, flip opponent‘s pieces by enclosing
- More restrictive than Gomoku in placement
- Pieces limited, strategic resource management
Gobang
- Alternative name for Five in a Row
- Same exact game as Gomoku!
While not as complex as Go, Gomoku offers more open, freeform strategy than overtly restrictive games like Othello. This fluid middle ground is part of why it has enthralled players globally for over a century!
| Game | Board Size | Pieces | Goal | Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gomoku | 15×15 grid | Unlimited stones | Get 5-in-a-row | Open placement, row creation |
| Go | 19×19 grid | Unlimited stones | Surround territory | Nuanced tactics, complex scoring |
| Othello | 8×8 grid | Limited discs | Out-flip opponent | Restrictive placement rules |
Troubleshooting GamePigeon Issues
Playing games flawlessly over iMessage requires optimal connectivity and app conditions. If issues pop up, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Restart your device – rule out basic performance glitches
- Update iOS and GamePigeon – ensure latest software running
- Check internet connection – on WiFi helps avoid mobile data interruptions
- Reset Network Settings – flush out lingering network/app conflicts
- Enable Notifications – ensure you see game invites instantly
- Reinstall GamePigeon – starts fresh as last resort option
Following general connectivity best practices helps avoid disruptions as you play games on iMessage.
Now that you know your way around the game, it‘s time to start playing Gomoku anytime and with anyone! Just open up iMessage, launch GamePigeon and tap on Gomoku to begin placing stones.
Whether you‘re looking to pass time on your commute or spice up chats with friends and family, this classic game always delivers fun. And it fits right in your pocket alongside messaging thanks to iMessage with GamePigeon!
Let the battle of wits begin…Gomoku no yabou, as they say in Japan! Good luck securing your unbroken 5!
