Ninuki Renju, the Advanced Gomoku Variant, Launches as Online Multiplayer Game for 2-4 Players in 'Dokopa'
Qdan's party game app 'Dokopa' (approx. 360,000 MAU as of April 2026) added 'Ninuki Renju' on May 20, 2026 — its 39th game — blending traditional Japanese board game capture rules with Pente's multiplayer format.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 21, 2026 at 04:28
- 🔍 Collected: May 20, 2026 at 20:02
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 21, 2026 at 00:06 (4h 4m after Collected)
Qdan Inc. (Musashino, Tokyo; co-CEOs: Keisuke Saito, Kazuki Sato) launched 'Ninuki Renju' on May 20, 2026 within its online party game app 'Dokopa,' which has approximately 360,000 monthly active users as of April 2026. This is the app's 39th game title and is completely free with no in-app purchases.
Ninuki Renju is a traditional Japanese board game that adds a capture mechanic to Gomoku (five-in-a-row): players can remove two adjacent opponent stones by flanking them on both sides. This creates tactical depth beyond simple five-in-a-row play. By incorporating multiplayer rules from the American board game Pente — itself derived from Ninuki Renju in 1977 — the app supports 2-4 players in both individual and 2v2 team matches.
Key features: (1) Capture mechanic adds strategic depth to Gomoku; (2) Multiplayer support for 2-4 players including team mode; (3) Customizable settings including board size (15x15 or 19x19), capture rules, and forbidden-move options.
Ninuki Renju was systematized in Japan during the Taisho era. Go player and Renju master Katsukiyo Kubomatsu founded the 'Ninuki-sha' school in 1922. Pente became a major US hit in the 1980s, selling over 1 million units. Available on iOS and Android.
Ninuki Renju is a traditional Japanese board game that adds a capture mechanic to Gomoku (five-in-a-row): players can remove two adjacent opponent stones by flanking them on both sides. This creates tactical depth beyond simple five-in-a-row play. By incorporating multiplayer rules from the American board game Pente — itself derived from Ninuki Renju in 1977 — the app supports 2-4 players in both individual and 2v2 team matches.
Key features: (1) Capture mechanic adds strategic depth to Gomoku; (2) Multiplayer support for 2-4 players including team mode; (3) Customizable settings including board size (15x15 or 19x19), capture rules, and forbidden-move options.
Ninuki Renju was systematized in Japan during the Taisho era. Go player and Renju master Katsukiyo Kubomatsu founded the 'Ninuki-sha' school in 1922. Pente became a major US hit in the 1980s, selling over 1 million units. Available on iOS and Android.
FAQ
When is Ninuki Renju available on Dokopa?
Ninuki Renju launched on Dokopa on May 20, 2026.
How many players can play Ninuki Renju on Dokopa?
2 to 4 players can play, supporting both individual and team (2v2) battles.
Is Ninuki Renju on Dokopa free to play?
Yes, it is completely free with no in-app purchases.
What is the difference between Ninuki Renju and Pente?
Ninuki Renju is a traditional Japanese board game systematized in the Taisho era (1922). Pente is an American board game created in 1977 based on Ninuki Renju, which became a hit selling over 1 million units in 1980s USA. The Dokopa app supports both rulesets.
What platforms support the Dokopa app?
Dokopa is available on iOS (iPhone/iPad) and Android, completely free at https://dokopa.com/.