How to Play Dots and Boxes: Rules for Beginners
To play Dots and Boxes, players take turns drawing one line between two neighbouring dots, across or down. Whoever draws the fourth side of a box claims it and draws again. When every box is claimed, the player with the most boxes wins. The golden rule for beginners: never draw the third side of a box, because the next player just takes it.
What you need
Paper and two pens of different colours, or play Dots and Boxes online. Draw a grid of dots: 4 × 4 dots makes a quick game of 9 boxes, 6 × 6 dots a classic game of 25. Two players is most common, but 3 or 4 can play.
The rules
- Decide who goes first.
- On your turn, draw one straight line joining two dots that sit next to each other, across or down (never diagonally).
- If your line completes a box (its fourth side), write your initial in it or colour it in, and take another turn. Close two boxes with one line and you get both.
- If your line doesn't complete a box, your turn ends.
- When all the boxes are claimed, count them. Most boxes wins; equal counts are a draw.
Your first strategy tips
- Don't draw a box's third side. It's a gift: the next player closes it and moves again.
- Early on, draw lines that touch no three-sided box. These are the safe moves; play them while they last.
- At the end, every line gives something away. Then give away the smallest group of boxes you can.
- Watch for chains: rows of boxes where taking one lets you take the next. Whoever controls the long chains usually wins.
Chains, the double-cross and the long chain rule are explained in how to win at Dots and Boxes.
In the GameLake Dots and Boxes game you can pick a 3×3, 5×5 or 7×7 grid, play Hops at three levels or friends online, and press Teach me for a good line with the reason.
Frequently asked questions
How do you play Dots and Boxes?
Players take turns drawing a line between two neighbouring dots. Completing the fourth side of a box claims it and gives you another turn. When all boxes are taken, the player with the most wins.
Do you get another turn after making a box?
Yes. Every time your line completes a box, you must draw another line. That's how one player can take a whole chain of boxes in a row.
Can you draw diagonal lines in Dots and Boxes?
No. Lines only join dots that are next to each other across or down.
How many dots should a Dots and Boxes grid have?
For a quick game, 4 × 4 dots (9 boxes). For a classic game, 6 × 6 dots (25 boxes). Bigger grids make longer, more strategic games.
Who goes first in Dots and Boxes?
Any player can; take turns going first in each new game. The second player has no big disadvantage on most grids.
What are other names for Dots and Boxes?
It's also called Boxes, Squares, Paddocks, Pigs in a Pen and the Dot Game. In Spanish it's often Timbiriche, in French Pipopipette and in German Käsekästchen.