THE PLAYBOOK · HONGRENYOU
How to play Four in a Row
Take a moment with Four in a Row before moving to another game. Connect four discs horizontally, vertically or diagonally. A full board without a winner is a draw. Use the example below to understand a decision. Identify the playing area and the controls you need. Look at what changes after your first action.
Keep the aim in sight
Keep the stated aim separate from side details such as animation or appearance. Progress is measured by the game’s own completion or scoring rules. Make the next step deliberately.
Your goal
Connect four discs horizontally, vertically or diagonally. A full board without a winner is a draw. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. Try to explain the aim in your own words.
Step by step
- Player 1 selects a column.
- The disc falls to that column’s lowest empty cell.
- Player 2 chooses a column, and turns alternate.
- Watch for horizontal, vertical and both diagonal lines.
Controls
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Read a button’s label before selecting it. Read the example below alongside these instructions.
A useful example
A piece falls to the lowest empty space in its column. Four matching pieces in a horizontal, vertical or diagonal line win. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Verify the rule before continuing.
Watch out for this
Selecting a full column does not use your turn. A different version of the game may use a different rule. Take enough time to read a new position. If a game has a timer, learn its controls first rather than searching for them during the round.
Common questions
When I return, what is the goal of Four in a Row?
Keep this in mind: Connect four discs horizontally, vertically or diagonally. A full board without a winner is a draw.
On this playing page, how do I control Four in a Row?
Here is the relevant explanation: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
For a quick reminder, what example helps explain Four in a Row?
For clarity: A diagonal requires support beneath each disc. You cannot drop a disc into the middle of an empty column.
As a new player, what should I watch out for in Four in a Row?
Keep this in mind: Selecting a full column does not use your turn.
While learning, what format does Four in a Row offer?
The key detail is this: Play using the same-device two players mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
While learning, which play mode does Four in a Row use?
The key detail is this: The mode on this page is Same-device two players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
