How to Play Four in a Row

THE PLAYBOOK · HTSIFA

How to play Four in a Row

Four in a Row gives you a focused activity to play in your browser. Connect four discs horizontally, vertically or diagonally. A full board without a winner is a draw. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Begin with the same-device two players mode shown on the page. Use the example below to understand a decision.

Focus on one rule

Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow. Notice the feedback after each input.

Your goal

Connect four discs horizontally, vertically or diagonally. A full board without a winner is a draw. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Check the rules when you are unsure.

Step by step

1. Player 1 selects a column.
2. The disc falls to that column’s lowest empty cell.
3. Player 2 chooses a column, and turns alternate.
4. Watch for horizontal, vertical and both diagonal lines.

Controls

Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. A new-round button replaces the current round.

A useful example

A diagonal requires support beneath each disc. You cannot drop a disc into the middle of an empty column. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Notice the change in the playing area.

Watch out for this

Selecting a full column does not use your turn. Check the rule before repeating the action. Take enough time to read a new position. If a game has a timer, learn its controls first rather than searching for them during the round.

Common questions