Tips hex

Overview

Although the rules of Hex are very simple, its strategy is quite rich and has many layers. The good news is that there are many clever and satisfying strategy concepts that can be learned by players of all levels.

Beginners

To reach level 100, you should learn about templates, especially the bridge and the ziggurat. You should also learn basic blocking. You might try a few dozen of Matthew Seymour's Hex puzzles.

Average players

To reach level 200, you should learn about ladder handling, especially ladder escapes, and pivoting and climbing. You should learn more templates. You should also begin to use template intrusions to steal territory and help you connect. You should also learn when to swap. You should solve more Hex puzzles.

Good players

To reach level 300, you should learn some advanced ways of connecting, such as Tom's move, switchbacks, and foldbacks. You should learn to foil, and especially, how to counter fishing moves. You should learn about the mustplay region and to recognize what is connected and what is not, to avoid defending the indefensible or attacking what is solid. You should start to use minimaxing, such as building walls. You should learn some ladder creation templates. You should also start playing corner moves.

Strong players

To reach level 400, you should consistently use minimaxing. You should learn to choose from among several possible moves to gain small advantages. You should learn to tidy up. You should play josekis.

To reach level 500, you should study different openings and the best responses to them. You should know about flanks and pivoting templates. You should learn about capture and domination to play locally optimal moves.

Experts

To go beyond level 500, you no longer need this strategy guide. Read the HexWiki. Learn from players who are better than you. Play a lot and watch a lot of games. Develop your own theory.

Resources

• Matthew Seymour's online book Hex: A Strategy Guide. A good starting point for learning Hex strategy.

• Matthew Seymour's Hex puzzles. Fun and very addictive! You will become a better player.

• The HexWiki. Too much information for beginners, as it is difficult to know what to read first. It is better to start with Seymour's book. However, the Wiki is a great resource once you've mastered the basics.