🔴 Connect Four
Connect Four was invented by Howard Wexler and Ned Strongin and first sold by Milton Bradley in 1974. The game's genius lies in its perfect balance: the rules take seconds to learn, but the strategy runs surprisingly deep. Players alternate dropping colored discs into a 7-column, 6-row vertical grid, and the first to align four discs horizontally, vertically, or diagonally wins. In 1988, mathematicians James Dow Allen and Victor Allis independently proved that Connect Four is a solved game — the first player can always force a win with perfect play. Despite being solved, the game remains enormously popular because human players rarely play perfectly, making every game a genuine contest. Connect Four has sold over 40 million copies worldwide and is a staple of family game nights, school classrooms, and competitive puzzle communities. The game teaches fundamental strategic concepts: controlling the center, creating multiple threats simultaneously, and blocking opponent setups before they become dangerous. The vertical drop mechanic adds a unique constraint not found in most grid games — you can't place a disc just anywhere, only at the top of each column's current stack. This creates fascinating tactical puzzles where the order of moves matters as much as their positions. Whether you're playing casually or studying the game's deep theory, Connect Four offers a uniquely satisfying blend of accessibility and strategic depth.
How to Play Connect Four
🖥️ Desktop
Click on any column to drop your disc to the lowest available row in that column. You play as Red, and the computer plays as Yellow. The first player to connect four discs in a row — horizontally, vertically, or diagonally — wins. If the board fills up with no winner, the game is a draw.
📱 Mobile
Tap a column to drop your disc. The disc falls to the bottom of that column. Connect four of your discs in any direction to win. Think ahead — the AI will try to block your threats and create its own.
Game Features
- ✓Classic 7×6 grid with gravity-based disc dropping
- ✓Play against an AI opponent
- ✓Win detection for all four directions
- ✓Color-coded discs for easy tracking
- ✓Instant new game restart
Tips & Tricks
- Control the center column — it's part of more winning lines than any other column
- Create 'double threats' — two ways to win simultaneously so the opponent can't block both
- Watch for diagonal threats, which are easier to miss than horizontal or vertical ones
- Don't just react to your opponent — build your own winning setup while blocking
- Avoid filling columns too early — you may need them later for a winning move
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Connect Four a solved game?
Yes. In 1988, mathematicians proved that the first player can always force a win with perfect play, starting with the center column. However, since most players don't play perfectly, the game remains competitive and fun at all skill levels.
Who invented Connect Four?
Connect Four was invented by Howard Wexler and Ned Strongin. Milton Bradley (now Hasbro) first published it in 1974. It has since sold over 40 million copies and remains one of the best-selling strategy games ever made.
What is the best first move in Connect Four?
The center column (column 4 of 7) is the strongest opening move. It participates in more potential winning lines than any other column. Mathematically, starting in the center is the only first move that guarantees a win with perfect subsequent play.
Can the game end in a draw?
Yes, if all 42 squares are filled without either player connecting four, the game is a draw. This is rare in practice but can happen, especially when both players play defensively.