How to play Connect Four

Connect Four is the classic vertical strategy duel, here against a sharp computer opponent. You play the pink discs, the computer plays cyan. Take turns dropping discs into the seven columns — each disc falls to the lowest free slot. The first side to line up four discs in a row wins, horizontally, vertically or diagonally. If all 42 slots fill with nobody connecting four, the game is a draw. You always move first. Hovering or tapping a column shows a glowing aim arrow.

Controls

Click any column with the mouse — or tap it on a touchscreen — to drop your disc there. ▶ Start Game deals a fresh board and ↺ Restart abandons the current game and starts over. There is no timer, so study the board as long as you like before each move.

Tips & strategy

The center column is the most powerful square on the board because it participates in the most potential lines — open there when you can. Always scan for immediate threats: if the computer holds three in a row with an open end, you must block this turn, and the same logic wins you the game when the roles reverse. Build "forks" by creating two separate three-in-a-row threats at once, since the computer can only block one. Watch diagonals especially — they are the easiest wins to miss — and remember a threat only counts if the winning slot is actually playable next.

Scoring

Each victory over the computer adds 1 to your Wins total. Consecutive wins build a streak, and your longest streak is saved in your browser as your best. Draws and losses reset the streak but never erase your saved best. No time limit, no move limit — pure strategy decides every game.