How to play Four in a Row
- The board stands upright with 7 columns and 6 rows. Coral goes first, then you take turns.
- On your turn, tap a column to drop one disc. It falls to the lowest empty space in that column.
- Line up four of your discs in a row — across, up and down, or diagonally — to win.
- A full column can't take any more discs. If the whole board fills up with no four in a row, the game is a draw.
- Coral discs have a ring and yellow discs have a star, so you can tell them apart without relying on colour.
Strategy tips
- Start in the middle column. A disc there is part of more possible lines than a disc anywhere else.
- Before every move, ask: can I win right now? If not, can my opponent? Block their three-in-a-row first.
- Look up as well as across: don't drop a disc right under a space where your opponent would complete four.
- Make two threats at once. Your opponent can only block one of them — that's how the daily puzzles are won.
- Think long-term: a three-in-a-row waiting for a space higher up springs its trap when the column fills. The first player wants these on odd rows from the bottom, the second player on even rows.
Three ways to play
Solo: daily puzzles — a fresh challenge every day, the same for everyone. vs Computer: four characters from Rookie Robo (easy) to Grandmaster Owl (expert); beat each one to earn its star. vs Friend: pass the device, or send an invite link and play online — no account needed.
Variants
Solo has five new puzzles every day: three "win in 2" and two "win in 3". Want a twist? Try Tilt Four, our own 7×7 version where each player can tilt the whole board once per game.
About Four in a Row
Gravity games where you drop counters to make a line of four became popular as boxed games in the 1970s and have been family favourites ever since. In 1988, James Dow Allen and Victor Allis independently proved, with computer help, that on the standard 7×6 board the first player can always force a win by starting in the centre column. That perfect play is far too long to memorise, so real games stay wide open.
FAQ
Can the first player always win at Four in a Row?
In theory, yes — with perfect play from the centre column. In practice both sides make mistakes, so either player can win. Against the computer you take turns going first.
How do I beat Grandmaster Owl?
The Owl looks about ten moves ahead, so simple traps won't work. Take the centre, block every three-in-a-row, and build threats on the rows that suit you so the Owl runs out of safe moves late in the game.
What are the daily Four in a Row puzzles?
Five positions a day, the same for everyone. You play coral and must force four in a row within 2 or 3 moves, whatever yellow does. Every puzzle is checked by a solver, so there is always a way.
Can I play Four in a Row with a friend online?
Yes. Choose vs Friend, then "Invite with a link", and send the link. You play browser to browser — no account needed. You can also pass one phone or tablet back and forth.
Is it free? Does it work offline?
Completely free. Install the site from your browser menu and it keeps working without internet.