Play Connect Four Online

What is Connect Four?

Connect Four (also known as Four in a Row, Four Up, or Captain's Mistress) is a classic two-player strategy game where the objective is to be the first to form a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal line of four of your colored discs. First released by Milton Bradley (now Hasbro) in 1974, this game combines simple rules with deep strategic gameplay that has captivated players for generations.

Here you can play Connect Four online for free against real opponents from around the world, with no sign-up required!

How to Play

The Board

The game is played on a vertical grid with 7 columns and 6 rows, creating 42 spaces total. The board stands upright, and pieces drop down due to gravity when placed in a column.

Basic Rules

Players alternate turns, dropping one colored disc into any column that has available space.
Pieces fall to the lowest available position in the chosen column, stacking on top of previously played pieces.
The first player to connect four discs in a row—horizontally, vertically, or diagonally—wins the game.
If all 42 spaces are filled without either player achieving four in a row, the game ends in a draw (tie).

Winning Conditions

You win by creating four in a row in any direction:

Horizontal: Four discs in a row across a single row
Vertical: Four discs stacked in a single column
Diagonal: Four discs connected diagonally (either direction)

Strategy & Tips

Opening Strategy

Control the center! The middle column is the most powerful position because it gives you the most opportunities to create four in a row. Starting with the center column (column 4) gives the first player a significant advantage.

Key Strategic Concepts

Think ahead: Plan multiple moves in advance and consider how your opponent might respond.
Create threats: Build positions where you have multiple ways to win on your next turn, forcing your opponent into difficult defensive positions.
Block your opponent: Always check if your opponent is one move away from winning before making your own offensive move.
Build from the bottom: Remember that gravity affects piece placement—you can't place a piece in mid-air!
The 7-trap: Try to create setups where you have three in a row with open spaces on both ends, forcing an automatic win.
Odd/Even strategy: Advanced players consider whether rows are odd or even numbered to plan long-term column control.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Focusing only on offense and missing your opponent's winning moves
Neglecting to control the center columns
Making random moves without a plan
Forgetting that diagonal connections count as wins

Interesting Facts

Solved Game: Connect Four was mathematically solved in 1988 by James D. Allen and independently by Victor Allis in 1988. With perfect play, the first player can always force a win!
Total Positions: There are over 4.5 trillion possible game positions in Connect Four.
Perfect Strategy: When both players play perfectly, the first player should win by starting in the center column and following optimal strategy.
World Record: The largest Connect Four game ever played used a grid measuring over 8 feet tall!
Variants: Popular variants include Connect Four with larger grids (like 8×7 or 9×7), Pop Out (where you can remove pieces from the bottom), and Power Up (with special power pieces).
Educational Value: Connect Four is often used to teach pattern recognition, strategic thinking, and planning ahead—skills valuable in mathematics and programming.

Advanced Techniques

The Double Threat

Create situations where you have two different ways to win on your next turn. Your opponent can only block one, guaranteeing your victory. This is the most powerful tactical weapon in Connect Four.

Zugzwang Positions

In chess terminology, a "zugzwang" is when any move you make worsens your position. In Connect Four, you can maneuver your opponent into positions where any move they make sets you up for a win.

Column Control

Pay attention to which player will get the last move in each column. Controlling the final spaces in key columns can be the difference between winning and losing in close games.

💡 Pro Tip: The best way to improve is to play regularly and analyze your losses. Each game teaches you new patterns and defensive setups. Click the "Start Matchmaking" button above to begin your journey to Connect Four mastery!

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