Four in a Row, free online
Four in a Row is the classic two-player strategy game: drop colored discs into a vertical board and be the first to line up four, across, down or diagonally. It takes seconds to learn and rewards thinking a move or two ahead.
Play the computer on easy, medium or hard, or pick 2 players to play a friend on the same screen. Discs drop with a satisfying bounce, the winning four light up, and full screen gives you a bigger board.
How to play Four in a Row
- Players take turns dropping one disc into any column. It falls to the lowest free space.
- The first player to line up four of their discs in a row wins. The line can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal.
- If the board fills up with no line of four, the game is a draw.
- Starting turns alternate between games, so each side gets to go first.
Four in a Row tips
Take the center column
The middle column is part of more possible lines than any other. Discs there help you both attack and defend.
Block threes right away
When your opponent has three in a line with an open space, block it on your next move, unless you can win first.
Build two threats at once
The strongest move creates two different ways to win. Your opponent can only block one of them.
Watch the space below a threat
A winning space you can't reach yet is still dangerous. Avoid filling the space right under your opponent's open three.
Frequently asked questions
How strong is the computer?
Easy makes mistakes on purpose and is good for learning. Medium looks a few moves ahead. Hard looks seven moves ahead and rarely misses a threat.
Can two people play on one device?
Yes. Choose 2 players and pass the phone or share the screen. Red and Yellow take turns, and the score is kept for the session.
Who goes first?
The starting side alternates every game. Against the computer you go first in the first game.
Is the first player at an advantage?
Yes. With perfect play, the player who starts can always win by opening in the center column, but that takes very precise play.
