Drop discs, build threats, and connect four first.
7×6
grid · 42 slots total
21
discs per side at most
2
players · one column per turn
Section 01 · The board
A 7-column grid where every disc falls down.
Connect 4 is played on a vertical grid with seven columns and six rows. Players take
turns dropping one disc into a column, and gravity places it in the lowest open slot.
The board starts empty, so the first few turns shape the whole fight.
The empty grid — seven columns, six rows, zero floating discs.
Section 02 · Movement
Choose a column, then gravity makes the move.
You do not place a disc anywhere you want. Pick a column that is not full, drop your
disc from the top, and it lands on the lowest empty space in that column. Then the other
player does the same.
Click the highlighted column to drop a Yellow disc.
Tap the highlighted column
The disc falls to the lowest open slot. You cannot leave gaps underneath it.
Section 03 · Threats
Three in a row creates an immediate threat.
The tactical heart of Connect 4 is spotting lines before they finish. If you have three
discs with an open fourth slot, your opponent usually has to block. If they ignore it,
your next drop wins.
Click the highlighted column to finish a horizontal four.
Block first: Red must cover Yellow's open fourth slot.
Section 04 · Four in a row
Win horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
A winning line can run left-to-right, bottom-to-top, or along either diagonal. Diagonal
wins are easy to miss because they need supporting discs underneath each step.
Step through a diagonal setup until Yellow connects four.
Section 05 · Turn flow
A turn, in order.
Every turn is simple, but each drop changes what both players can threaten next. Here's
the four-step rhythm to remember.
①
Scan the board for immediate wins.
If you can complete four in a row, drop there now.
②
Block the opponent's open four.
Never ignore a three-in-a-row with a playable fourth slot.
③
Choose a non-full column.
Your disc will land on the lowest empty slot in that column.
④
Check all four directions.
After the drop, check horizontal, vertical, and both diagonals for four connected discs.
Section 06 · Legal vs. illegal
What moves — and what doesn't.
Quick visual cues for the most common Connect 4 mistakes.
Legal
Drop into a column and occupy the lowest open slot.
Stack on top of existing discs in the same column.
Connect four diagonally when each disc has support below.
Not allowed
Floating a disc in midair — gravity always pulls it down.
Dropping into a full column — there is no open slot.
Moving or removing discs after they have landed.
Section 07 · Winning
Connect four — or fill the board for a draw.
You win immediately when four of your discs touch in a straight line. If all 42 slots
fill up and nobody has connected four, the game ends in a draw.
★
Four horizontal discs.
The easiest line to see, especially along the bottom row.
★
Four vertical discs.
Punish opponents who let you stack the same column.
★
Four diagonal discs.
Harder to spot, often built one supported step at a time.
≈
Full board, no four.
If every slot is filled without a winning line, the result is a draw.
Section 08 · Try it
Now play a quick game.
A live solo demo against an AI opponent. Drop discs into columns, set up threats,
and connect four before the AI blocks you.