Best Gomoku First Move: Why the Center Wins
The best first move in gomoku is the center of the board. On a standard 15×15 board, that's position (8,8) — also called "tengen" in Go terminology. Here's why this move dominates.
Why the Center Is Best
1. Maximum directional freedom. From the center, your stone can contribute to lines in all 4 directions (horizontal, vertical, and both diagonals). A corner stone can only build lines in 3 directions — 25% less potential.
2. Maximum extension room. From the center, you have 7 intersections of space in every direction to build a line of 5. Near the edge, you may only have 2-3 intersections, making it impossible to complete a line.
3. Proven by computation. Victor Allis's 1993 proof that gomoku is a first-player win assumes Black plays in or near the center. The winning strategy relies on the spatial flexibility that only a central position provides.
What the Second Player Should Do
If you're White (second player), your response to a center opening matters: Don't play too close (gives Black too much information), don't play too far (wastes a move), and play 1-2 intersections away — establishing your own presence while staying connected. In professional Renju, the second stone's position determines which of the 26 opening patterns will be played.
The First 3 Moves of a Typical Game
- Black plays center (H8 on a 15×15 board)
- White plays 1-2 spaces away — typically at I8, I9, or G7 (diagonal offset)
- Black plays to establish a second direction — creating the potential for a fork later
The goal of the opening is to establish presence in at least 2 directions while keeping your options open. Never commit all your early stones to a single line direction. For more on this, see our beginner strategy guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any opening that beats the center?
No. On a standard 15×15 board, the center is provably the strongest first move. Any other first move gives your opponent more information and less flexibility.
What if my opponent doesn't play center?
Take the center yourself! You've just gained a positional advantage. This is especially effective against beginners who open near edges or corners.