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Hex
Hex is a two-player connection game invented independently by Piet Hein in 1942 and John Nash in 1948. It is played on a rhombus of hexagonal cells, and each player tries to link their two opposite sides with an unbroken chain. A famous mathematical proof shows the game can never end in a tie.
Hex Rules
The board is a rhombus of hexagons, commonly 11×11. Two opposite edges belong to one player and the other two edges to the other. Players take turns placing one stone of their color on any empty hexagon; stones are never moved or removed.
Your goal is to form a single connected chain of your stones touching both of your two edges. Because hexagons connect to six neighbors, chains weave diagonally as well as straight across.
The first player to complete an unbroken connection between their two sides wins immediately. It is mathematically impossible to fill the board without one player connecting, so draws cannot occur. To offset first-move advantage, many games use the swap rule, letting the second player steal the opening move.
Hex Strategy & Tips
Use bridges for safe links
Two stones placed a knight's-step apart with two shared empty cells between them form a bridge — if the opponent blocks one cell you take the other. Bridges connect quickly while staying defensible.
Play toward the center first
The middle of the board influences the most potential paths. A strong central stone supports connections running in several directions; edges are easier to defend but offer fewer routes.
Block and connect at once
Because the board can't be split without someone winning, every move that walls off your opponent also advances your own chain. Look for stones that do both.
Consider the swap rule
If you move first, don't play an overwhelmingly strong opening — the opponent can simply swap to take it. Choose a moderate first move so swapping isn't worth their while.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Hex end in a draw?
No. It is mathematically proven that when the board is full, exactly one player must have connected their two sides. There are no drawn games in Hex.
Who invented Hex?
It was created independently by Danish mathematician Piet Hein in 1942 and again by mathematician John Nash in 1948, who reportedly devised it while a graduate student at Princeton.
What is the swap rule in Hex?
After the first player places one stone, the second player may either respond normally or 'swap,' claiming that stone as their own. This discourages an overly strong opening move and balances the game.
What size board is Hex played on?
11×11 is the standard tournament size, but Hex works on any size. Larger boards like 13×13 and 19×19 are used for deeper games, and small boards are useful for learning.