Hex
Hex is a two-player connection game that takes about 10 minutes. Take turns placing hexagons on the board; the first to join their two opposite edges wins. Free in your browser, no sign-up.
Play over time
Hex in 30 seconds
- Set upUse an 11-by-11 board of hexagonal spaces (13-by-13 and 19-by-19 are also available). The first player is red, the second blue.
- Take turnsPlace one hexagon of your colour on any empty space. Pieces never move or get captured.
- WinThe first to join their two opposite edges with a connected chain wins.
- DrawThere are none. Someone always connects by the time the board is completely full.
At a glance
| Item | This game |
|---|---|
| Players | 2 players |
| Play time | About 10 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 | 2026-09-19 |
How to play Hex 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
- For 2 players. Playing alone, you face the computer.
- The board is an 11-by-11 rhombus of hexagonal spaces (13-by-13 or 19-by-19 in the house rules). Of its four edges, two opposite edges are red and the other two are blue. The corner spaces belong to both edges.
- The first player is red and the second blue. The first seat starts; when you play again, the first move switches each game (you can keep it fixed in the house rules).
How to play
- On your turn, place one hexagon of your colour on any empty space. You cannot pass.
- Pieces never move and are never captured.
- Spaces connect through their six sides. Two of your pieces one step apart diagonally share two empty spaces, so they are hard to cut apart (a bridge).
- With the swap rule on, after the first move the second player may press Swap instead of placing (once only): they take over the first red move, and the other player becomes blue and moves next. This discourages an overly strong first move and evens out the first-move advantage.
Winning
- The first player to join their two opposite edges with a connected chain of their colour wins.
- There are no draws. Blocking your opponent's path also builds your own.
House rules
| Name | Description | Default | Changeable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Board size | 11-by-11 is standard. 13-by-13 and 19-by-19 make longer games. | 11×11 | Can be changed |
| Swap ruleSwap ruleHex gives the first player a big advantage, and this rule cancels it out. After seeing the first move, the second player may swap colours and take that hexagon as their own if it looks strong. So the first player has to choose an opening move that is not too strong, one they would not mind losing. | After the first move, the second player may trade places with the first player instead of placing (once only). | Off | Can be changed |
| Alternate first move | Switch who goes first (red) after each game. | On | Can be changed |
Recommendations
Play this game once to write one.
Send feedback or a bug about this game
Request a setting for this game
We publish the feedback you send and what we do about it here
FAQ
How many can play?
It is a two-player game. On your own, you can play against the computer.
How long does a game take?
About 10 minutes. There are no draws, so every game has a winner.
Is it free?
Yes. It is free and runs in your browser with no sign-up.
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 2026-09-19 · Run by Qdan, Inc.