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Four in a Row: how a round works

A small practice goal

Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart. Keep the objective visible.

What you need to achieve

Connect four discs horizontally, vertically or diagonally. A full board without a winner is a draw. The feedback beside the game helps you follow the round. Notice how the game responds to your input.

The order of play

  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.

The controls to know

Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Read a button’s label before selecting it. Return to the rules if the result is unexpected.

Try this example

A piece falls to the lowest empty space in its column. Four matching pieces in a horizontal, vertical or diagonal line win. Focus on why the action is allowed, not only its outcome. Take a moment to compare.

Check this before moving on

Selecting a full column does not use your turn. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board.

Common questions

For this browser game, what is the goal of Four in a Row?

Here is the relevant explanation: Connect four discs horizontally, vertically or diagonally. A full board without a winner is a draw.

For my first round, 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?

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?

Keep this in mind: Selecting a full column does not use your turn.

While learning, 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.

Which play mode does Four in a Row use?

The key detail is this: The mode on this page is Same-device two players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.

For this browser game, where should I start with Four in a Row?

Keep this in mind: Player 1 selects a column.

As a new player, do I need an account or a payment for Four in a Row?

No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.

When I return, how can I find Four in a Row again?

Here is the relevant explanation: Use the Games list or save this game page in your browser bookmarks. The Guide is linked from the playing page.

For a quick reminder, how do I report an issue with Four in a Row?

Use the contact form and include the game name, browser, device and the actions that led to the issue. Do not send passwords or payment details.