How to Play kōnane

1How to Win

Players take turns capturing their opponent's stones (ili‘ili) by jumping over them. The last player to move wins.

In the position on the left, it's White's turn, but White has no stones to jump over.

2The Board

The board starts completely full, with stones alternating in color. Black makes the first move.

3Opening Move for Black

Black makes an opening move by removing a center piece or a corner piece.

Drag a highlighted stone off the board, or double-click it, to take it off.

Try it: drag or double-click a1, d4, e5, or h8

4Opening Move for White

White then removes a piece that was next to the piece Black just removed.

Drag a highlighted stone off the board, or double-click it, to take it off.

Try it: drag or double-click a2 or b1

5Jump to Capture

After the opening moves, all further moves are captures. On the left, White can move by capturing Black's piece.

Try it: drag or click the highlighted white stone to capture the black stone.

6Multiple Captures Are Allowed

You can capture as many or as few pieces as you want in one move, but it must be in a straight line.

Try it: drag or click the highlighted white stone to capture two black stones