How to Play Four in a Row: Rules for Beginners
Four in a Row is played on an upright grid of 7 columns and 6 rows. Two players take turns dropping one disc into any column that isn't full, and the disc falls to the lowest empty space. The first player to line up four discs in a row, across, up and down or diagonally, wins. If all 42 spaces fill up with no line of four, the game is a draw.
What you need
A standing grid with 7 columns and 6 rows (42 spaces), and 21 discs in each of two colours. That's exactly enough for every space, so you never run out. The game has been sold under many names, the best known being Connect 4, the version Milton Bradley brought out in 1974. The rules below are the standard ones they all share.
You don't need a board at all to learn: GameLake's 4 in a Row uses the same 7×6 grid, with green discs for you and orange for Hop the frog or a friend.
The rules, step by step
- Each player picks a colour. Decide who goes first (see below).
- On your turn, drop one disc into the top of any column that still has space.
- The disc falls straight down to the lowest empty space in that column. You can't place it higher up or in the middle of the board.
- Take turns. You can't skip a turn, move a disc that's already played, or play two at once.
- The first player with four of their discs in a straight line wins straight away.
- If the grid fills up and nobody has four in a row, the game is a draw.
That gravity rule is what makes the game. You can only ever play on top of what's already there, so every disc you drop also opens up the space above it, for you or for your opponent.
The four ways to win
A line of four can run in four directions: across a row, up and down a column, or along either diagonal. All of them count the same. Five or more in a row also wins, because it contains a line of four.
Counting every position on the grid, there are 69 possible lines of four: 24 across, 21 up and down and 24 diagonal. Diagonals are the ones beginners miss most often, for attack and defence alike, so check them every turn.
Who goes first?
The rules don't fix it, so agree before you start: flip a coin, let the younger player start, or let the loser of the last game go first. It's worth taking turns, because going first is a real advantage. Computer analysis in 1988 showed that the first player can always win with perfect play by starting in the middle column.
Nobody plays perfectly, though, so in practice the second player wins plenty of games. On GameLake the first move swaps after every game, so you get to practise both sides.
How a game ends
- A win. The game stops the moment someone completes four in a row, even if the move also blocks the other player. The quickest possible win is the first player's 4th disc, the 7th disc of the game.
- A draw. All 42 spaces are full and neither player has four in a row. Draws are rare between beginners, who usually leave a line open somewhere, but they happen more often as both players get better at blocking.
Rules questions beginners ask
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I put a disc anywhere? | No. It always drops to the lowest empty space of the column you choose. |
| Can I play in a full column? | No. Once a column holds 6 discs it's closed for the rest of the game. |
| Do diagonals count? | Yes, in both directions. |
| Does five in a row win? | Yes. Any line that includes four of your discs in a row wins. |
| Do I have to block my opponent? | No rule says so, but if they have three in a row with a playable fourth space, they win next turn unless you block. |
| Can I pass? | No. You must drop a disc every turn. |
Playing on GameLake
Tap (or click) a column to drop your green disc. Play Hop the frog on Easy, Medium or Hard: Easy looks a couple of moves ahead, Medium four and Hard six, which makes Hard a real test. Choose 2 players to play a friend on the same phone or computer, passing it between turns. It's free, runs in your browser and needs no download.
Three tips for your first games
- Start in the middle column. Central spaces sit on more possible lines than edge spaces, so they give you more ways to make four.
- Check for threats before every move. Look for any three-in-a-row of your opponent's with a fourth space you can't ignore, and block it.
- Don't drop a disc directly under a space your opponent needs. It lets them play on top and win.
When you're ready for more, our Four in a Row winning strategy guide covers double threats and the odd-and-even row idea strong players use.
Frequently asked questions
How do you play Four in a Row?
Players take turns dropping one disc into a column of a 7×6 upright grid. Each disc falls to the lowest empty space. The first to get four of their discs in a line, across, down or diagonally, wins.
How many discs does each player get?
21 each. The grid has 42 spaces, so between them the two players can fill it exactly.
Do diagonal lines count in Four in a Row?
Yes. Four in a row diagonally, in either direction, wins just like a row or a column.
What happens if the board fills up?
If all 42 spaces are full and nobody has four in a row, the game is a draw.
Who should go first?
Agree before you start, and take turns between games. The first player has an edge: with perfect play, starting in the middle column always wins.
Can you play Four in a Row with one player?
Yes. On GameLake you can play against Hop the frog on Easy, Medium or Hard, or choose 2 players for a game with a friend on one device.