Learning how to play Connect 4-style Four in a Row takes about a minute. Mastering it takes much longer. Start here with the basics, then move on to strategy when you’re ready.
Everything in this section
- The Rules: the full Connect 4 rules, in plain English.
- What Is Four in a Row?: the game, its names and why people love it.
- The Board and Pieces: rows, columns and how many discs each player has.
- Ways to Win: all 69 winning lines on the board.
How to play Connect 4 in five steps
- Pick a colour. In our game one player is orange and the other is teal (the boxed game uses red and yellow).
- Take turns dropping one disc into any column that isn’t full.
- Your disc falls to the lowest empty space in that column.
- Line up four of your discs across, up and down, or diagonally to win.
- If all 42 spaces fill with no line of four, it’s a draw.
That’s all there is to it. Try it now against the computer or with two players on one screen.
One game, many names
Four in a Row, Connect 4, Connect Four, 4 in a line: they all play the same way. Connect 4 is Hasbro’s brand name for its version of the game, and our site is an independent version. See Other Names for the Game.
Ready for the next step?
Once the rules click, these guides will help you start winning:
FAQ
How long does a game take?
Most games last 5 to 10 minutes. A game can never go past 42 moves.
Who goes first in Connect 4?
Players agree, or take turns. Going first is a real advantage, which is why the computer lets you choose. See Is Four in a Row Solved?.
What age is it for?
Children as young as five can learn the rules, and adults can play it for a lifetime.