Blocking, and why Hex has no draws

In Hex every block is also part of your own chain, and the game can never end in a draw. Learn to stop a chain one cell from finished. How Hex works · lesson 3 of 3.

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The lesson in words

Ivory needs just one more stone to join left and right. If you don’t take that cell, Ivory wins.

Notice that in Hex, the stone that blocks Ivory is also a step across the board for you.

Ivory’s row has one gap.

Try it: Stop Ivory winning.

Every stone attacks and defends at once. Test yourself in the rules check.

Questions

Can a game of Hex end in a draw?

Never. When the board is full, exactly one player has a winning chain. Blocking your opponent completely always means you’ve connected yourself.

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