Connect Four: rules and strategy to win
Also known as: Four in a Row, Four Up
How to play Connect Four and win more often: drop discs, line up four, block threats and use the centre column. Simple rules and smart tips for kids and adults.
- Type
- Board game
- Players
- 2
- Age
- Ages 6+
- Play time
- 5–15 min
- First released
- 1974
- Designed by
- Howard Wexler, Ned Strongin
- Publisher
- Milton Bradley
Connect Four is a two-player strategy game first sold by Milton Bradley in 1974, designed by Howard Wexler and Ned Strongin. Players take turns dropping coloured discs into an upright grid of seven columns and six rows. Each disc falls to the lowest empty space in its column. The first player to make a line of four discs in a row, horizontally, vertically or diagonally, wins. The falling discs add an important twist compared with simple line games: you cannot place a disc anywhere you like, only on top of others. In 1988 the game was mathematically solved, showing that the first player can always win with perfect play. For normal players, however, it stays fresh, fast and exciting.
Our verdict
Connect Four is quick to learn and rewards thinking ahead, which makes it a great step from luck-based games to strategy. Games take only a few minutes, and the sound of falling discs adds to the fun. It helps children spot patterns, plan two moves ahead and think about what the other player wants. Adults can enjoy it too, especially when they start using threats on odd and even rows.
What works
- Learned in one minute
- Short games with clear strategy
- Good for mixed ages
What does not
- Only two players
- Strong players may find it predictable
How to play Connect Four
Each player chooses a colour. Players take turns dropping one disc into any of the seven columns from the top. The disc falls to the lowest empty slot in that column. A full column cannot take more discs. The goal is to be the first to get four of your discs in a straight line, either across, up and down, or diagonally. As you build lines, you must also watch your opponent's discs and block any line of three that could become four. A smart player creates two threats at once, so the opponent can block only one. If all forty-two spaces are filled and no one has four in a row, the game is a draw. Release the lever at the bottom of the frame to drop all discs out for the next game.
Tips for new players
- Play the centre column early; it is part of more possible lines than any other.
- Always check whether your opponent can complete four on the next move.
- Try to build two threats at once so only one can be blocked.
- Do not fill a slot directly below the space your opponent needs to win.
Good for
Connect Four: common questions
Who invented Connect Four?
Connect Four was designed by Howard Wexler and Ned Strongin and first sold by Milton Bradley in 1974.
Is there a way to always win Connect Four?
The game was solved in 1988. With perfect play, the first player can always win by starting in the centre column.
How big is a Connect Four grid?
The standard grid has seven columns and six rows, for a total of forty-two spaces.
Connect Four belongs to its owners. Playdonya is not connected to them and does not sell this game; the cover is our own illustration.
