Objective of the Game
The objective of Hex is to be the first player to form an unbroken chain of their pieces connecting one side of the board to the opposite side. One player aims to connect the top and bottom sides of the board, while the other player connects the left and right sides.
The Board
Hex is played on a diamond-shaped grid consisting of hexagonal cells. The standard Hex board is 11x11, but other sizes such as 13x13 or 19x19 are also used. The four edges of the board belong alternately to each player.
Setup
- Decide which sides each player will connect (either top-bottom or left-right).
- After sides are chosen, the game begins.
- Usually, the player connecting vertically (top-bottom) starts first.
Gameplay
- Turn: Players take turns placing a stone of their color on any empty cell.
- The stone stays on the cell until the game's end.
- Turns continue alternately until one player completes their connection from their side to the opposite side.
- The first player to do so wins the game.
Special Rules and Strategies
- First Move and Swap Rule: To avoid a first-mover advantage, the second player can choose to swap sides after the first player's initial move. This is known as the "Swap Rule," ensuring balance by preventing excessive starting advantages.
- Bridge-Building: Strategically, it's important to build connections that are flexible and cover large free spaces, often referred to as 'bridges' connecting adjacent cells.
- Blocking: Players can strategically block the opponent's potential connections while simultaneously trying to complete their own path.
- Forced Moves: Skilled players recognize positions that must inevitably be claimed to secure connections or prevent blocks from forming.
Hex is an abstract strategy game that requires players to plan ahead and make tactical moves to outmaneuver the opponent and successfully complete their own connection.
