Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to the most common questions about Omok Online. If your question is not listed here, feel free to reach out to us at omok.online.contact@gmail.com.

1. What is Gomoku / Omok?

Gomoku, known as Omok (오목) in Korean, is a classic strategy board game for two players. The game is played on a 15x15 grid where players take turns placing black and white stones on the intersections. The goal is to be the first player to form an unbroken line of five stones in a row, either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. It is easy to learn but offers deep strategic gameplay. For a complete explanation, visit our Rules page.

2. How do I create a game room?

Creating a game room is simple. On the main page, enter your nickname, choose your preferred stone color (black or white), and click the "Create Room" button. The system will generate a unique 4-character room code. Share this code with your friend so they can join your room. Once your friend enters the code and joins, the game begins automatically with the black player taking the first turn.

3. How do I join a friend's game?

To join an existing game, enter your nickname on the main page, then type or paste the 4-character room code that your friend shared with you into the "Room Code" field. Click the "Join Room" button, and you will be connected to your friend's game room. Once both players are in the room, the game starts immediately.

4. Is Omok Online free to play?

Yes, Omok Online is completely free. There are no subscriptions, no in-app purchases, and no hidden fees. We are supported by advertisements displayed on the site, which allows us to offer the game at no cost to players. We are committed to keeping the game free and accessible to everyone.

5. Do I need to create an account?

No, you do not need to create an account or sign up. All you need to do is enter a nickname of your choice, and you are ready to play. Your nickname is saved in your browser's local storage so that you do not have to re-enter it every time you visit. No email address, password, or personal information is required.

6. Does Omok Online work on mobile devices?

Yes, Omok Online is fully responsive and works on smartphones and tablets. The game interface automatically adapts to your screen size, making it comfortable to play on any device. Simply open the website in your mobile browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or any modern browser), and you can play just as you would on a desktop computer. No app download is needed.

7. What happens if my internet connection drops during a game?

If your connection drops temporarily, the game will attempt to reconnect automatically. Your game state is preserved on the server, so no moves are lost. If you are able to reconnect within a reasonable time, you can resume the game right where you left off. If the disconnection is prolonged, the game may time out and your opponent will be notified. We recommend using a stable internet connection for the best experience.

8. How many players can be in one room?

Each game room supports exactly two players, as Gomoku is a two-player game. One player creates the room and the other joins using the room code. If a room already has two players and a third person tries to join with the same code, they will not be able to enter. To start a new game with a different friend, simply create a new room.

9. Can I play without sharing a room code?

Currently, Omok Online is designed for playing with friends using the room code system. There is no random matchmaking or public lobby at this time. This design ensures that you always know who you are playing against and can enjoy the game in a private setting. To play, you will need to share your room code with your intended opponent through any messaging platform (text message, chat app, email, etc.).

10. Who goes first in a game?

In Gomoku, the player with the black stones always goes first. When you create a room, you can choose whether you want to play as black or white. The player who joins the room is assigned the remaining color. If you want the first-move advantage, choose black when creating the room.

11. What rules does Omok Online use?

Omok Online uses free-style Gomoku rules on a standard 15x15 board. This means there are no restrictions on moves for either player: no forbidden moves, no double-three bans, and overlines (six or more in a row) count as a win. These are the most widely played casual rules and are the easiest for beginners to learn. For the full rules, see our Rules page.

12. Can I play again after a game ends?

Yes. After a game concludes, both players can start a new game in the same room. You do not need to create a new room or re-share a code. Simply click the option to play again, and the board will reset for a fresh game. Players may also swap colors between rounds if they wish.

13. I found a bug. How do I report it?

We appreciate bug reports! If you encounter any issues while using Omok Online, please send an email to omok.online.contact@gmail.com with a description of the problem, including what you were doing when the issue occurred, your device type, and your browser. Screenshots are helpful if possible. We investigate every report and work to fix issues as quickly as we can.

14. Is there a way to improve my Gomoku skills?

Absolutely. The best way to improve is to play regularly and study strategy. We have a detailed Strategy Guide that covers essential concepts like center control, open rows, creating multiple threats, and reading ahead. Reviewing your past games to identify mistakes is also a powerful way to improve. The more you play, the better you will recognize patterns and develop your tactical instincts.