Dots and Boxes
Take turns drawing a line between two neighbouring dots. Close the fourth side of a box to claim it and move again. Most boxes wins.
How to play Dots and Boxes
How to play
Tap or click between two dots to draw a line. If your line completes a box, it's yours and you draw again. Otherwise it's the computer's turn. Choose the board size and who starts before your first line.
How to win
When every line is drawn, the player with more boxes wins. On the 4×4 board an 8–8 tie is possible.
Tips
Early on, avoid drawing the third side of any box: that hands it over. Later every line gives something away, so give away the shortest chain. Expert trick: when you take a long chain, you can leave the last two boxes to your opponent so they have to open the next chain for you.
Opponents
Easy takes most boxes it's offered and sometimes gives boxes away. Medium never misses a box and plays safe lines. Hard counts chains, looks ahead through the safe lines, and uses the leave-two trick to keep control.
Questions
Do you get another turn after completing a box?
Yes. Completing a box (or two boxes with one line) always earns another turn. That's why long chains matter: whoever is handed a chain can take every box in it.
What is the double-cross or leave-two trick?
When you are taking a long chain, stop two boxes before the end and draw the line at the far end instead. Your opponent gets those two boxes with one line, but then has to move and open the next chain for you.
Which board size should I start with?
The 3×3 board is quick and good for learning. 4×4 has room for real chain play, and 5×5 is the classic size for long, strategic games.
How does the hint decide?
It uses the hard computer's reasoning for your side: take a box when it's free, draw a safe line when there is one, and when every line gives something away, pick the cheapest chain to open by counting the chains that are left.
Can two people play dots and boxes here?
Yes. Choose Two players: pink and blue take turns drawing lines on the same device, closing a box still earns another turn, and the score shows who is ahead.