Dots and Boxes
Join the dots, close boxes to claim them and take an extra turn every time you do.
How to use: Tap the gap between two neighbouring dots to draw a line. Finish the fourth side of a box to claim it and go again.
How to play Dots and Boxes
Dots and Boxes is a classic pencil-and-paper game for two. The board is a grid of dots. Players take turns drawing a single line between two neighbouring dots, either across or down. Whoever draws the fourth side of a box claims it, colours it in and must take another turn straight away. When every box is claimed, the player with more boxes wins.
Tap or click the gap between two dots to draw a line. Choose a 3×3 board for a quick game, 4×4 for the standard size or 5×5 for a long battle. Play against the computer, or choose Friend to play with someone on the same phone, tablet or computer, passing it back and forth.
The secret of the game is to avoid drawing the third side of a box, because that lets your opponent close it. As the board fills up, every move eventually has to give something away, and long chains of boxes appear. Good players sacrifice short chains to force their opponent to open the long ones.
The computer always takes free boxes and avoids giving boxes away until it has to, so plan your chains carefully to beat it.
Frequently asked questions
What happens when I complete a box?
You claim it and take another turn immediately.
Can two people play?
Yes. Choose Friend (same device) and take turns on one screen.
What is the main strategy?
Avoid drawing the third side of a box, and near the end give away short chains to win the long ones.