Connect Four

How to play Connect Four

Connect Four is a straightforward strategy game with enough depth to stay interesting after the first win. You drop red discs from the top of a column; the computer drops yellow ones. The first player to line up four discs horizontally, vertically, or diagonally wins. Gravity does half the work, but you still have to think a move or two ahead, because a column you ignore can become a winning drop for the other side.

Control of the center columns matters. A disc in the middle of the board sits on more potential lines than a disc on the edge. The other key idea is the forced win: you set up two threats on the same turn so that blocking one still leaves the other open. Equally important is defense — if the computer has three in a row with an open end, that column has to be your next drop.

Tap a column to drop your disc. It works on a phone or a computer, with no download and no account. Start a new game whenever you want a rematch.

Tips

• Favor the center columns in the opening; they create more ways to connect four later.
• Before you attack, check whether the computer already has three in a line with a space to finish it.
• Try to leave two winning drops on the same turn so a single block cannot stop you.

Controls: mouse, touch. No download and no sign-in required.

FAQ

Is this Connect Four played against the computer?

Yes. You drop red discs and the computer drops yellow ones. The first to connect four wins.

Can I play Connect Four free in a browser?

Yes. There is no download and no sign-in. Tap a column to drop a disc on a phone or a computer.

What counts as a win?

Four of your discs in a straight line — across, up and down, or diagonal — before the computer does the same.