Hare and Hounds
Hare and Hounds is a 5-minute chase on a board for 2. Three hounds close in to corner the hare; the single hare looks for a gap to slip behind them. Free in your browser, no sign-up.
Play over time
Hare and Hounds in 30 seconds
- Set upOn the eleven-point board, the three hounds start on the left and the hare at the right end. Hounds move first.
- HoundsA hound steps right, diagonally right, or up and down, never back to the left.
- HareThe hare steps along any line in any direction.
- WinHounds win by cornering the hare; the hare wins by slipping behind every hound.
At a glance
| Item | This game |
|---|---|
| Players | 2 players |
| Play time | About 5 min |
| Type | Board |
| Ranked play | No |
| Practice against the CPU | Yes |
| Price | Free (no account needed) |
| Rights holder | A public-domain classic game |
| Last updated | 2026-09-25 |
How to play Hare and Hounds online with friends
- Tap "Play with friends"A party is created with a 6-character code. No account is needed.
- Send a link or QR codeShare it on LINE, or just read the code aloud.
- Everyone opens it in a browserOnce 2 players have joined, the host taps "Start".
Rule highlights
Setup, play, winning, and house rules
Setup
- 2 players. On your own, play against the computer.
- The board is eleven points joined by lines. The three hounds start at the left end and the top and bottom of the left column; the hare starts at the right end.
- Hounds move first. Play again swaps the hound and hare roles.
How to play
- On the hounds' turn, move one of the three hounds one step along a line to an adjacent empty point: right, diagonally right, or up and down within a column. Hounds can never move left.
- On the hare's turn, move the hare one step along a line to an adjacent empty point, in any direction.
- Diagonal steps are only possible where a diagonal line is drawn (through the two end points and the centre point).
- Nobody jumps and nothing is captured.
Winning
- If the hare cannot move on its turn, the hounds win (cornered).
- If the hare stands left of every hound, it has got away and wins. This also happens when a hound steps forward and leaves the hare behind.
- If the hounds have made 30 moves without cornering the hare, the hare wins (default). Hounds may not make a move that returns to a position already seen.
- A setting switches to the other classic rule: the hare wins if the hounds move vertically ten times in a row. A player may also resign.
House rules
| Name | Description | Default | Changeable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swap roles on rematch | Play again switches who plays the hounds. | On | Can be changed |
| Getting-away rule | What happens when the hounds cannot finish the chase. 30 moves is the classic in Japan: if the hounds need more than 30 moves, the hare wins, and hounds may not repeat a position. Ten vertical moves is the classic in English: the hare wins if the hounds move vertically ten times in a row. | 30 moves | Can be changed |
| Hare's starting point | Where the hare begins. Right end is the classic diagram, centre is the middle point, random is any of the four points in the two right-hand columns. | Right end | Can be changed |
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FAQ
How many can play?
2 players. On your own, play against the computer.
Which side do I get?
Whoever sits down first plays the hounds and moves first. Play again swaps the roles.
Is this the running game?
No. This is the board game on eleven points, not the paper-chase run that shares the name.
Can I play on a phone?
Yes. No app is needed — just open it in a browser. You can join the same party as people on a PC or tablet.
Can two people play?
Yes. This game supports 2 or more players.
Can we play without being online at the same time?
Yes. Choose “Turn-based (told each turn)” and you can make one move whenever you like. We tell you when it is your turn. A table ends automatically, with no winner or loser, after 45 days without a move.
Rights holder and physical edition
This is a public-domain classic game. The rules follow the standard reference rules.
Related games
Same type (Board)
Same player count
Last updated 2026-09-25 · Run by Qdan, Inc.