Four in a Row is a free online game where you drop coloured discs into a grid and try to line up four. Play against the computer or share the screen with a friend. It runs in your browser with no download or sign up, works on phone and desktop, and keeps working offline once loaded.
Inspired by: Connect Four, the classic vertical drop game (1974).
How to play Four in a Row
- Choose Vs computer or 2 players on the start screen.
- Take turns dropping one disc into any column that is not full. The disc falls to the lowest free spot.
- Make a line of four of your discs, across, up and down, or on a diagonal, to win.
- Block your opponent when they have three in a row with an open end.
- If the grid fills up with no line of four, the game is a draw.
Controls
- Keyboard: Left and right arrows or A and D choose a column. Space, Enter or Down drops the disc.
- Mouse: Move over a column and click to drop a disc.
- Touch screen: Tap the column where you want your disc to fall.
Tips to score higher
- Start in the middle column. It is part of more possible lines than any other.
- Try to build two threats at once. Your opponent can block only one.
- Watch out for diagonals. They are the easiest lines to miss.
- Do not drop a disc that lets your opponent win right on top of it.
The story behind Four in a Row
Four in a Row is the same idea as the board game Connect Four, which was sold from 1974 and became a family favourite around the world. Two players take turns dropping discs into a standing grid, and the rules fit on a single line. Mathematicians later showed that with perfect play the player who starts can always win, though that takes very careful moves. It was a staple of living room tables and school breaks, and many of us remember the satisfying rattle of discs falling into place. This version has smooth falling discs and a computer opponent for when you need a challenge.
Questions players ask
Is Four in a Row free to play?
Yes. It is free, with no sign up and no download.
Is this the same as Connect 4?
The rules are the same. Drop discs and make four in a line. This is our own version with its own look.
Can I play with a friend?
Yes. Choose 2 players and pass the device back and forth, or sit side by side at one screen.
How smart is the computer?
It looks several moves ahead, so it blocks your threats and takes wins. It sometimes makes a casual move, so it can be beaten.
Can I play offline?
Yes. After the page has loaded once, the game works without internet.