THE PLAYBOOK · 78JMW
How to play Four in a Row
Bring your attention to one round of Four in a Row. Connect four discs horizontally, vertically or diagonally. A full board without a winner is a draw. Look at what changes after your first action. Identify the playing area and the controls you need. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.
Keep the aim in sight
Keep the stated aim separate from side details such as animation or appearance. Progress is measured by the game’s own completion or scoring rules. Notice the feedback after each input.
Your goal
Connect four discs horizontally, vertically or diagonally. A full board without a winner is a draw. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. Follow this game’s rules rather than another version’s.
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. A careful first action helps you become familiar with the layout. Avoid pressing the same control repeatedly while a move is being processed.
A useful example
A piece falls to the lowest empty space in its column. Four matching pieces in a horizontal, vertical or diagonal line win. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Take a moment to compare.
Watch out for this
Selecting a full column does not use your turn. Compare the situation with the worked example. Read one step at a time and try it on the playing area. Match the instruction to the control you use.
Common questions
Before I begin, what is the goal of Four in a Row?
Keep this in mind: Connect four discs horizontally, vertically or diagonally. A full board without a winner is a draw.
As a new player, how do I control Four in a Row?
Keep this in mind: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
When I return, what example helps explain Four in a Row?
The key detail is this: A piece falls to the lowest empty space in its column. Four matching pieces in a horizontal, vertical or diagonal line win.
On this playing page, 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.
For a quick reminder, what format does Four in a Row offer?
The key detail is this: Play using the same-device two players mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
Before I begin, which play mode does Four in a Row use?
The mode on this page is Same-device two players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.