Connect 4 Online
First to get four in a row wins
General ranking since 30 days. Learn more
Connect 4, also sold as Connect Four and known as four in a row, is the strategy game Milton Bradley released in 1974. Play Connect 4 online here for free: the Connect 4 game for 2 players with a friend, Connect Four online against other players, or against the computer. Its rules take a minute to learn, and its double threats and traps keep children and adults coming back.
Connect 4 online rules
Connect 4 is a turn-based 2-player game played on a 7x6 board. Each player drops a disc into a column, and it falls to the lowest free row. The goal is to align four discs horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. When the board is full and nobody has four in a row, the game is a draw.
Connect 4 multiplayer
Click "Play with a friend" and share the link to play Connect 4 with 2 players, or click "Play online" to be matched with another player. You can join the daily tournament, or organize a private tournament and share the link with your group. It is the perfect tool for virtual team building, schools, or groups of friends.
Play Connect 4 against the computer
Click "Play vs robot" and pick the robot strength. Start with an easy robot to learn the tactics, then move up level by level until you can beat the strongest one. The robot is ready at any hour, on every board size.
Giant Connect 4
On papergames.io, you can play on large Connect 4 boards with different configurations such as 7x6 (classic), 8x7, 8x8, 9x7, and 9x9. The bigger the board is, the more challenge there is.
Similar games
Players that enjoy playing Connect 4 might also like Gomoku, increasing the challenge with a giant board and 5 pieces to connect. If you seek a more straightforward game, you can go for Tic-Tac-Toe, a 3x3 row game.
If you're looking for colorful explosions, try our Battleship game, which extends the classic version with special weapons.
Strategies and tactics to win at Connect 4 online
At the start of the game
Try to place a maximum of discs in the middle column to maximize the possibilities of aligning 4 discs in the following turns. This tactic prevents your opponent from doing the same while using the column. https://youtu.be/17w0W9M53uc
The double line
A straightforward way of trapping your opponent at Connect 4 is to create a winning double line. The idea is to have two lines that each lack one disc to make a line of 4. Try to compel them to make a move that would lead to you being able to align a line of 4 at the next turn. https://youtu.be/G7YHiN39qS8
How to beat a novice
When opening the game try to align three discs on the lowest line. If your opponent is not paying attention, you can choose between completing it on the left or the right. In whichever case, you win the game! https://youtu.be/ZZh6Tb_3fbE
Blocking columns
The idea is to block columns so that whenever your opponent drops a disc into them, you win at the next turn. The goal is to lead your opponent into unwanted moves, which gives you the freedom to set up traps for the next steps. https://youtu.be/pht2Bf1WkOA
Frequently asked questions
What are the rules of Connect 4?
Two players take turns dropping a disc into one of the seven columns of a 7x6 board, and the disc falls to the lowest free space. The first player to line up four discs horizontally, vertically or diagonally wins. If the board fills up with no line of four, the game is a draw.
How do you win at Connect 4?
Take the center column, which is part of the most possible lines of four, and build a double threat: two lines of three that can be completed at the same time. Your opponent can only block one of them. Watch the row under each threat too, because the disc that fills it decides who gets to play there.
Does the first player have an advantage in Connect 4?
Yes. On the classic 7x6 board, the first player can always win with perfect play, starting in the center column. In practice few players know the perfect sequence, so every game stays open. Taking turns to start, game after game, keeps a series fair.
How do you play Connect 4 with 2 players online?
Choose "Play with a friend" and share the game link: your friend joins in one click, and neither of you needs an account. To play someone new, choose "Play online" and you are matched with another player. Both ways you can pick the board size, from the classic 7x6 to 9x9.
Can I play Connect 4 against the computer?
Yes. Choose "Play vs robot" and set the robot strength: start easy to learn the tactics and move up until you can beat the strongest level. The robot plays at any hour and on every board size, so it is a good way to practice openings and double threats before you play people.
Can I play Connect 4 on a bigger board?
Yes. Besides the classic 7x6 board, you can play on 8x7, 8x8, 9x7 and 9x9 boards. The bigger the board, the bigger the challenge: more columns mean more lines to watch, and the opening strategies of the classic board no longer apply as they are.
Is Connect 4 free on papergames.io?
Yes, 100% free. You play directly in your browser, on desktop or mobile, and you can play as a guest without creating an account. Play a friend by link, play the computer, or join the daily tournament at no cost.