Guide 3 of 6
How to defend in five in a row
Attacking is more fun, but most players lose because of a missed block, not because their attack was too slow. A short routine, repeated before every move, removes most of those losses.
The four questions
Before you play, ask these questions in this order, and stop at the first one that says yes:
- Can I make five now? Then do it. Nothing else matters.
- Does my opponent have a four? Block it. There is only one correct square.
- Can I make a four that leads to a win, or a winning fork? A four forces an answer, so it can be played even when your opponent has an open three.
- Does my opponent have an open three, or a fork coming? Block it now.
Only when all four answers are no should you think about building your own position. This routine sounds obvious, but in fast games almost every loss comes from skipping step 2 or step 4.
Which end of a three to block
An open three can be blocked at either end, and the choice matters. Block on the side where your opponent has more support: other marks nearby, or a second line that crosses there. If one end is also useful for your own lines, that is usually the right one, because your block becomes an attacking move at the same time.
Key points
A key point is a crossing where two or more of your opponent’s lines meet. Taking it before they do often defends against two future threats with one move. When your opponent’s marks start to form a cluster, look for the crossing that sits on the most of their lines.
Counter-attack
A defence that also attacks is the best kind. If you can block while making your own open three, your opponent must answer you, and you take the initiative back. If you have a four available, you can sometimes use it to gain a tempo before blocking, but only if that four does not help your opponent.
Don’t panic
A closed three or a scattered group of marks is not an emergency. Blocking every small shape gives your opponent free moves elsewhere. Defend the real threats (fours, open threes, forks) and use the other moves to build.
Mòpyon.net plays a short “Blòk!” sound when you stop your opponent’s last way to make five. It is a small reward, but it helps you notice the moments when defence won the game.