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FONPER

RULES & PRACTICE

How to Play Four in a Row

Play Four in a Row ↗

Game guide · FONPER

The essentials of playing Four in a Row

Take a moment with Four in a Row before moving to another game. Connect four discs horizontally, vertically or diagonally. A full board without a winner is a draw. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions. Choose a comfortable screen position before beginning. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.

Practice beyond the first move

When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round. Use the example to check your reasoning.

Your objective

Connect four discs horizontally, vertically or diagonally. A full board without a winner is a draw. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Notice how the game responds to your input.

The playing sequence

  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.

Getting comfortable with the controls

Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. A careful first action helps you become familiar with the layout. Read the example below alongside these instructions.

Put the rules into context

A diagonal requires support beneath each disc. You cannot drop a disc into the middle of an empty column. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Read the matching step again.

A mistake to avoid

Selecting a full column does not use your turn. Compare the situation with the worked example. Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board.

Questions about this game

As a new player, what is the goal of Four in a Row?

For clarity: 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?

Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.

For my first round, 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.

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.

What format does Four in a Row offer?

For clarity: Play using the same-device two players mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.

As a new player, which play mode does Four in a Row use?

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

As a new player, where should I start with Four in a Row?

For clarity: Player 1 selects a column.

For my first round, do I need an account or a payment for Four in a Row?

Here is the relevant explanation: 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?

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

For my first round, 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.

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