How to play Connect 4
- Choose your opponent: the computer (pick a level and who goes first) or a friend on the same device.
- Tap a column to drop your disc: it falls to the lowest free slot.
- Take turns placing discs, and block your opponent's moves when they have three in a row.
- The first player to line up four discs of the same color horizontally, vertically or diagonally wins. If the board fills up with no winner, it's a draw.
Tips to win at Connect 4
Connect 4 is played on a board with 7 columns and 6 rows. The center slots are the most valuable because they belong to more possible lines: start in the middle column and keep control of the center.
Always think two moves ahead. Look for moves that create two threats at once: if your opponent can only block one, you win with the other. And before dropping a disc, make sure you're not handing your opponent the slot right above it to complete their line.
The easy level plays almost at random with a few defensive moves, medium looks a few moves ahead and hard searches much deeper. Everything is calculated on your device, with nothing sent to any server; only your scores and settings are saved.
Good to know
- Scores and settings are saved only in this browser: if you clear the site data, they are lost.
- Going first is an advantage: with perfect play, the first player can always win. Try alternating who starts.
- Against the computer, Undo takes back your move and the computer's reply; in 2-player mode it takes back the last move.
Frequently asked questions
How do you play Connect 4?
Players take turns dropping a disc of their color into a column, and it falls to the bottom. The first to line up four discs horizontally, vertically or diagonally wins.
Can I play with a friend on the same phone?
Yes. Choose "2 players" mode and take turns tapping the columns. The starting player alternates every game.
Who wins if the board fills up?
Nobody: it's a draw. The board has 42 slots, and if they fill up without a line of four, the game ends in a draw.
What is the best first move?
The center column. It belongs to the most lines and gives you the most options throughout the game.
Is it free? Do I need to install anything?
It's free, needs no sign-up and runs right in your browser, on phone, tablet or computer.