Connect 4 Online
First to connect four dots wins
General ranking since 30 days. Learn more
Connect 4 is a strategy game played by children and adults in 1974. It quickly became a top-rated game due to its easy rules and various strategies players may use to win. Connect 4 is an excellent game to work your children's brain cells.
Connect 4 online rules
Connect 4 is a turn-based 2-player game played on a 7x6 board. Each player places their checkers from the lowest row until the highest one. The goal is to align four checkers horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
Connect 4 multiplayer
If you want to play with a group, you can organize a private tournament invite up to 512 players. It's the perfect tool for virtual team building, schools, or groups of friends.
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 more giant 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 4 weapons.
Strategies and tactics to win at Connect 4 online
At the start of the game
Try to place a maximum of checkers in the middle column to maximize the possibilities of aligning 4 checkers 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 lack one checker to have 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 checkers on the lowest line. If your opponent is not paying attention, you can choose between reacting on the left or 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 places a checker or pieces of discs on a row or a column, you would win at the next turn. The goal is to lead your opponent into unwanted moves, which enable you the freedom of developing traps for the next steps. https://youtu.be/pht2Bf1WkOA
<Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.