THE PLAYBOOK · SHIDIAO001
How to play Four in a Row
Choose a round of Four in a Row and settle into its rules. 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. Check the rule that explains your first action. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.
Build a steady rhythm
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. Notice the feedback after each input.
Your goal
Connect four discs horizontally, vertically or diagonally. A full board without a winner is a draw. Read that aim before choosing your first action. Keep the controls in easy reach.
Step by step
- 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.
Controls
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Avoid pressing the same control repeatedly while a move is being processed.
A useful example
A diagonal requires support beneath each disc. You cannot drop a disc into the middle of an empty column. Use the example as a guide rather than a substitute for reading your board. Keep the game’s format in mind.
Watch out for this
Selecting a full column does not use your turn. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board.
Common questions
For my first round, 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 this browser game, how do I control Four in a Row?
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
While learning, what example helps explain Four in a Row?
Keep this in mind: A piece falls to the lowest empty space in its column. Four matching pieces in a horizontal, vertical or diagonal line win.
Before I begin, 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.
On this playing page, what format does Four in a Row offer?
Play using the same-device two players mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
When I return, 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.
