How many pieces are in Connect 4, and how big is the board? Here are all the numbers for the standard four-in-a-row game.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How many columns? | 7 |
| How many rows? | 6 |
| How many spaces? | 42 |
| How many pieces in total? | 42 discs |
| How many pieces per player? | 21 |
| How many ways to make four in a row? | 69 |
| Fewest moves to win | 7 in total (4 by the winner, 3 by the loser) |
Why 7 columns and 6 rows?
The 7 × 6 board gives a good balance. A smaller board leads to too many quick wins or draws, and a bigger board makes games long. Some versions use other sizes; see Five in a Row and Bigger Boards.
How big is a real board?
Tabletop sets are usually around 25 to 30 cm wide. Garden versions can be over a metre tall. Online, the board fits your screen.
The middle column
The middle column (column 4) is the most valuable on the board, because more possible winning lines pass through it than any other column. Learn why in Best Opening Moves.
Keep reading
More in How to Play Four in a Row: Four in a Row Rules · What Is Four in a Row? · The Four in a Row Board and Pieces · Ways to Win at Four in a Row
Back to How to Play Four in a Row · Play the game now