Dots and Boxes Game Online🔲Dots and Boxes

How to play Dots and Boxes

Players take turns drawing a line between two neighbouring dots. Whoever draws the fourth side of a box claims it, scores a point and must draw another line. If your line doesn't complete a box, the turn passes. When every box is taken, the player with more boxes wins, and an even split is a draw.

Pick a board of 3×3, 4×4, 5×5 or 6×6 boxes. Play the computer, choose 2 Players to take turns on one screen, or create an online room and share the code with a friend. Your wins for the session are counted under the board.

Tips

• ▸Avoid drawing the third side of a box. It hands your opponent a point, and often a whole chain of boxes after it.
• ▸Late in the game every move gives something away, so open the shortest chain first.
• ▸When you are handed a long chain near the end, take all but the last two boxes, then draw the line at the far end of the chain. Your opponent takes those two with one line but must then open the next chain for you.
• ▸The computer grabs every box it can but never plays that two-box trick, so the endgame is where you can beat it.

Dots and Boxes FAQ

Who goes first against the computer?

You always draw the first line against the AI. Online, the first move alternates from one game to the next.

Which board size should I pick?

3×3 is quick and good for learning, while 5×5 and 6×6 give longer chains. Draws can only happen on 4×4 and 6×6, where the number of boxes is even.

Can two people play on one phone or tablet?

Yes. Choose 2 Players and pass the device between you; each line is a single tap.