The swap rule
Hex’s swap rule stops the first player opening in the centre. Learn how swapping works and which first moves are fair. Playing well · lesson 2 of 2.
Read this lesson as text
The lesson in words
Moving first in Hex is a big advantage. With the swap rule, after Gold’s first stone, Ivory may take it over instead of placing a stone.
So Gold wants a first move that’s neither too strong (Ivory would take it) nor too weak (Ivory would leave it).
With the swap rule on, open with a stone that’s good but not too good.
Questions
What will a good opponent do?
Swap. The centre is too good to leave, so with the swap rule players open nearer an edge.