Guide 4 of 6
Openings: the first moves of a game
The first moves of a game look quiet, but they decide who will be attacking in the middle game. A few simple principles are enough to start well, whether you play X or O.
Start in the centre
A mark near the centre belongs to many more possible lines of five than a mark near the edge, where lines run out of room. That is why X usually opens on or very near the central crossing. On Mòpyon.net the board is 15 × 15, so there is space in every direction from the centre.
Answering as O: direct or diagonal
O almost always answers right next to X’s first mark. There are two families of replies:
- Direct: O plays on the same row or column, touching X. This limits X along that line.
- Diagonal (also called indirect): O plays on a diagonal neighbour. This keeps more lines open for O’s own play later.
Neither is a mistake. Diagonal replies tend to lead to more complex, open games; direct replies to tighter positions. Try both against the computer and see which one suits you.
The first ten moves
- Stay connected. Place new marks one or two crossings from your others, so they can work together.
- Build in two directions. A position with marks spreading along a row and a diagonal is much harder to defend than a single line.
- Don’t chase the edge. Lines that run into the side of the board can never become open fours.
- As O, defend with purpose. Each block should also sit on one of your own possible lines.
Opening rules in tournaments
Because the first player has an advantage, some competitions use special opening rules. In Pro, X’s third mark must be placed far from the centre. In Swap, one player places the first stones and the other chooses which colour to take. Mòpyon.net currently plays freestyle, with no opening rule, which is how the game is played on paper in Haiti.
A good way to learn openings is to replay strong players’ games in the Game Database (Community → Game database) and watch where they place their first five marks.