THE PLAYBOOK · 06HC
Four in a Row: instructions and practice
Open Four in a Row, check the instructions and begin a round. Connect four discs horizontally, vertically or diagonally. A full board without a winner is a draw. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions. Identify the playing area and the controls you need. Use the example below to understand a decision.
Something to practise
Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart. Keep the objective visible.
The purpose of your moves
Connect four discs horizontally, vertically or diagonally. A full board without a winner is a draw. Read that aim before choosing your first action. Check the rules when you are unsure.
From the start of a round
- 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.
Input guidance
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. A careful first action helps you become familiar with the layout. Use the visible help when you are unsure of the next input.
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. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Take a moment to compare.
A mistake to avoid
Selecting a full column does not use your turn. Compare the situation with the worked example. Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal.
Questions about this game
For my first round, 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.
Before I begin, how do I control Four in a Row?
Here is the relevant explanation: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
Before I begin, what example helps explain Four in a Row?
Here is the relevant explanation: A diagonal requires support beneath each disc. You cannot drop a disc into the middle of an empty column.
For a quick reminder, what should I watch out for in Four in a Row?
Keep this in mind: Selecting a full column does not use your turn.
For my first round, what format does Four in a Row offer?
For clarity: Play using the same-device two players mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
Before I begin, 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.