How to Play Four in a Row

Rules and tips for Four in a Row, for first-time players.

How to play Four in a Row

1
The board stands upright, with 7 columns and 6 rows. Red and Yellow take turns dropping one disc into any column. Red goes first.
2
A disc falls to the lowest empty space in its column. You can't drop a disc into a full column.
3
The first player to get four of their discs in an unbroken line, horizontally, vertically or diagonally, wins. On this site, five or more in a row also wins.
4
Discs are never moved or removed once they are played.
5
If all 42 spaces fill up and nobody has four in a row, the game is a draw.

Tips to win

The middle column is part of the most possible lines, across and diagonally. Early on, try to build in the middle.
Before every move, check whether your opponent is one disc away from four in a row. Missing this is the most common way to lose.
Also look at the space right above where you're about to drop. If it would complete your opponent's line, your move hands them the win.
If you make two different spaces that would each complete your four, your opponent can't block both.
The first player (Red) is said to have the advantage. Winning as Yellow is something to be proud of.

Play Four in a Row →

FAQ

Is Four in a Row free to play?

Yes, and there's no sign-up. Play right in your browser on a phone, tablet or computer.

Can I choose how strong the computer is?

Yes, there are five levels: Beginner, Easy, Medium, Hard and Expert. Beginner sometimes misses its chances, so first-time players can win. From Medium up, the computer always blocks your winning space. Expert searches many moves ahead.

Can two people play?

Yes. Choose "2 players" as the opponent and take turns dropping discs on the same device.

Are there undo and hints?

You can undo as many times as you like. Against the computer, undo takes you back to before your last move. Press Hint to highlight a suggested column.

How is this different from Gomoku?

In Gomoku you place stones on any point of a 15×15 board and need five in a row. In Four in a Row the board stands upright and discs drop to the bottom, so each column has only one playable space, and you need four in a row.

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