Four in a Row

How to play Four in a Row

The grid has 7 columns and 6 rows. Players take turns dropping a disc into any column that is not full, and the disc falls to the lowest empty space. The first player to line up four of their own discs in a row, across, up and down, or diagonally, wins. If all 42 spaces fill with no line of four, the game is a draw.

Tap or click a column to drop your disc. Choose the computer at Easy, Medium or Hard, or play a friend on the same screen. Undo takes back your last move along with the computer's reply. The winning four light up when the game ends, and the tally above the board keeps track of wins and draws.

Strategy tips

Control the center

The middle column is part of more possible lines of four than any other column. A disc there can join horizontal lines in both directions and both diagonals. That is why strong players usually open in the center and keep claiming central spaces in the early game. Edge columns are the weakest: a disc in the outer column can only be part of a few lines.

Always check for threats

Before every move, look for any place your opponent could complete four next turn, and block it. Then check what space your own move opens up: dropping a disc gives your opponent access to the space right above it. Many games are lost by playing directly under the square your opponent needs.

Build double threats

One threat can be blocked. Two threats at the same time usually cannot. Look for moves that create two different ways to finish four, for example a horizontal three with both ends open, or a horizontal and a diagonal line that need different squares.

Think in rows: odd and even threats

As the grid fills up, the timing of who is forced to play where becomes important. Counting rows from the bottom, the player who moves first generally benefits from threats on odd rows (1, 3, 5), and the second player from threats on even rows (2, 4, 6). When columns fill up late in the game, a threat on the right row can force your opponent to give you the winning space.

Variants

Some versions use bigger grids, such as 8 by 7 or 9 by 7, which make the game longer and more open. In "pop out" variants a player may remove one of their own discs from the bottom row instead of dropping a new one. Another popular house rule is "five in a row" on a wider grid. You can also play a gentler version with young children by allowing a takeback each turn, which is what the Undo button is for.

If you enjoy the planning, try Checkers next, or warm up with Tic Tac Toe on the 5×5 board.