Connect Four
Drop discs and line up four before the computer does.
Red to move
How to play Connect Four
Goal: Get four of your discs in a row.
- 1Players take turns dropping a disc into a column.
- 2Discs fall to the lowest open space.
- 3Four in a row across, up or diagonally wins.
- 4If the board fills with no winner, it is a draw.
On a computer
Click any column
On a phone
Tap any column
Play Connect Four free against a smart computer or a friend. Drop discs and connect four in a row to win.
About Connect Four
Connect Four is a two player strategy game on a seven column, six row board. Players take turns dropping discs into a column, and each disc falls to the lowest open space. The first player to line up four discs across, up and down, or diagonally wins.
The game was sold as a boxed game in the 1970s and is now a classic for families. Researchers have shown that with perfect play the first player can always win, which shows how much strategy hides in its simple rules. Our free version lets you play a friend on one device or take on a computer opponent that looks several moves ahead.
It is a quick game, usually a few minutes, that teaches you to think about threats and blocks. It works on phones and computers in any browser.
Connect Four is also a great way to teach kids to think ahead, because every move can create or block a threat. Playing the computer is a good way to practice, since it will punish any open three you leave behind.
Connect Four tips and strategy
- Take the center column early. It is part of more possible lines of four than any other column.
- Always check whether your opponent has three in a row with an open space before you move.
- Build threats that need two different moves to block. Your opponent can only block one.
- Watch the row below an empty space. You can only win in a space once the space under it is filled.
- Avoid filling a space that lets your opponent drop into a winning spot right on top of it.
- Against the computer, set up two threats on different rows. Stacked threats are the strongest.
Connect Four FAQ
Who wins Connect Four with perfect play?
Studies of the game have shown the first player can force a win by starting in the center column, but that needs perfect play.
What is the best first move in Connect Four?
The center column is the strongest opening because it connects to the most possible lines.
Can I play Connect Four with a friend on one device?
Yes. Choose 2 Players and take turns tapping columns on the same phone or computer.
Is this the official Connect Four?
No. It is our free version of the classic four in a row game and is not affiliated with any brand.
How hard is the computer?
It looks several moves ahead, so it blocks obvious threats and takes winning moves. Setting up two threats at once is the best way to beat it.