Irensei

Black plays first, and players alternate placing a stone of their color on an empty intersection. The winner is the first player to create an unbroken row of seven stones horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

There are two restrictions: (1) a line of seven stones that includes any point on the outer two lines of the board does not constitute a win, and (2) Black cannot form a line of eight or more stones. However, if a group of stones is enclosed by the opponent according to Go rules, the stones are removed. Diagonal connections count toward winning but not capturing. The suicide and Ko rules also apply and are often crucial in winning the game.

• Translation of Japanese used in free game