THE PLAYBOOK · HEY172
Getting started with Four in a Row
Try Four in a Row at your own pace and keep its objective in view. Connect four discs horizontally, vertically or diagonally. A full board without a winner is a draw. Look at what changes after your first action. Compare the starting position with the example in the Guide. Use the example below to understand a decision.
Give this approach a try
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. Keep the objective visible.
Aim for this result
Connect four discs horizontally, vertically or diagonally. A full board without a winner is a draw. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Start with a deliberate move.
The order of play
- Player 1 selects a column.
- The disc falls to that column’s lowest empty cell.
- Player 2 chooses a column, and turns alternate.
- Watch for horizontal, vertical and both diagonal lines.
How to interact with the game
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Use the control method described here for this activity. Read the example below alongside these instructions.
One way to understand the rules
A piece falls to the lowest empty space in its column. Four matching pieces in a horizontal, vertical or diagonal line win. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Verify the rule before continuing.
A mistake to avoid
Selecting a full column does not use your turn. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.
Questions that come up during play
For a quick reminder, what is the goal of Four in a Row?
The key detail is this: Connect four discs horizontally, vertically or diagonally. A full board without a winner is a draw.
For this browser game, how do I control Four in a Row?
Keep this in mind: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
While reading the Guide, what example helps explain Four in a Row?
Here is the relevant explanation: A diagonal requires support beneath each disc. You cannot drop a disc into the middle of an empty column.
When I return, what should I watch out for in Four in a Row?
The key detail is this: Selecting a full column does not use your turn.
For my first round, what format does Four in a Row offer?
The key detail is this: Play using the same-device two players mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
For this browser game, which play mode does Four in a Row use?
The mode on this page is Same-device two players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
