Four in a Row rules and strategy
How to Play Four in a Row
Two players share a seven-column, six-row board. Take turns dropping one disc into a non-full column and be first to connect four of your own discs in a straight line.
Controls
Select a numbered column with a pointer or touchscreen. On a keyboard, use the arrow keys to move between column controls, Home or End to reach an edge, and Enter or Space to drop. Number keys 1-7 select a column and drop there directly.
Basic game sequence
- Choose a column: Player 1 starts. Select one of the seven numbered column controls with a pointer or the keyboard.
- Drop one disc: The disc falls into the lowest empty cell in that column, then the turn passes to the other player.
- Build a line: Connect four of your own discs horizontally, vertically, or diagonally while blocking the other player.
- Finish the round: The round ends as soon as a player connects four, or as a draw when all 42 cells are filled without a winning line.
Winning and drawing
A line of four can run left to right, up and down, or along either diagonal. The game stops immediately when a winning line forms. If all 42 spaces fill without one, the round is a draw. The winning four are outlined and marked with stars as well as colour.
Undo, resume, and local results
Undo removes the most recent disc and restores that player's turn. The current board, turn, history, and results are stored locally so the round can resume after a reload. Total moves remain cumulative when a move is undone. If the winning or drawing move is undone, that completed result is replaced only when the continued round finishes again. These figures are not a public leaderboard.
Practical strategy
- Compete for the centre columns, which participate in more possible four-disc lines.
- Check the other player's threats before extending your own line.
- Create two threats that can be completed on the next turn in different columns.
- Avoid placing a disc that gives the other player a winning landing space above it.
- Track diagonals from both directions; their gaps are easier to overlook.
Frequently asked questions
Who takes the first turn?
Player 1 takes the first turn in every new game. Players then alternate after each valid drop.
What happens when a column is full?
No more discs can be placed in that column. Choose one of the other column controls to continue.
Can a winning line be diagonal?
Yes. Four matching discs connected horizontally, vertically, or diagonally win the game.
Where are games and results saved?
The active board and local results are stored only in this browser. They are not accounts or a public leaderboard.