Play Four in a Row Online — Free 2 Player Game
Introduction
Four in a Row is the classic drop-the-disc game that takes ten seconds to learn and a lifetime to master. Two players take turns dropping coloured discs into a seven-column grid, and the first to line up four of their own discs — horizontally, vertically or diagonally — wins. It is the perfect two-player game for one keyboard or one phone, and the computer opponent makes it just as good solo. Play it free in your browser with no download and no account.
About Four in a Row
The drop-disc game has been a family favourite since the 1970s, prized for its simple rules and surprisingly deep strategy. A full game rarely lasts more than a few minutes, which makes it ideal for quick sessions. Despite the simple rules, the game has real depth: the first player can force a win with perfect play, which is exactly why the computer opponent is worth taking seriously.
The board is seven columns wide and six rows tall. On each turn you drop a disc into a column, where it falls to the lowest empty space. Because gravity controls where the disc lands, you are not just choosing a square — you are choosing a column, and every disc you drop changes the shape of the whole grid for both players.
This version is based on the open-source implementation by Kenrick Chien, released under the MIT licence. It runs entirely in your browser with a computer opponent for solo play and a local two-player mode for sharing one screen. No download, no sign-up and no waiting for a matchmaking server.
How to Play Four in a Row
Choose your mode.
Pick a game against the computer or a two-player game on the same device. In two-player mode, player one uses one set of keys and player two uses another.
Drop a disc into a column.
On your turn, choose one of the seven columns. Your disc falls to the lowest empty space in that column, so a column with no discs lets you play the bottom row.
Line up four discs.
The first player to line up four of their own discs in a straight line — across, down or diagonally — wins the game immediately.
Block your opponent.
If the opponent has three discs lined up with an open end, that open end is a winning threat. Blocking those threats is the entire defensive half of the game.
Win or reset.
The game ends when someone connects four or when the grid is full with no winner, which is a draw. Start a new round with the New Game button.
Four in a Row Controls
| Action | Desktop | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Drop a disc (player one) | Press 1 to 7 to choose a column, or click a column | Tap a column |
| Drop a disc (player two) | Use the on-screen buttons or the number row, then press Enter | Tap a column on the opposite side |
| Select a column | Click the column you want | Tap the column you want |
| Choose game mode | Click Computer or Two Player before starting | Tap Computer or Two Player before starting |
| Restart the game | Click the New Game button | Tap the New Game button |
| See the winning line | The winning discs are highlighted when the game ends | The winning discs are highlighted when the game ends |
| Start a rematch | Click New Game on the result screen | Tap New Game on the result screen |
| Fullscreen | Click the fullscreen button above the board | Tap the fullscreen button above the board |
| Exit fullscreen | Escape key | Tap the fullscreen button again |
Four in a Row Tips & Strategies
Win the middle column
The centre column participates in the most possible winning lines. Controlling it early gives you more routes to four in a row and makes it harder for your opponent to build their own.
Build threats two ways at once
A single disc that creates two separate three-in-a-row threats is almost impossible to block, because your opponent can only cover one. Look for columns that set up double threats.
Play underneath, not on top
Because discs fall to the bottom, a disc in a low row is never covered by the opponent. Prefer placing your discs under open columns rather than stacking on top of the opponent's discs.
Block every three before it becomes four
The moment the opponent has three in a row with an open end, that end is a winning move. Check for those threats after every one of your moves, before you start your own attack.
Count the columns before you commit
A column can only hold six discs. When a column is nearly full, the move you play there might be your last chance to use it — plan for the column running out.
Sacrifice a column to force the opponent
Sometimes playing a disc in a column that does not help you directly forces your opponent into a bad response. A quiet move that keeps your threats alive is often stronger than a flashy one.
What makes Four in a Row worth playing
- Play against the computer or a friend on the same device
- Classic drop-disc gameplay with a seven by six grid
- Runs entirely in your browser with no download or account
- Quick sessions that rarely last more than a few minutes
- Open source under the MIT licence with credit to the developer
Game Info
| Developer | Kenrick Chien |
|---|---|
| Released | 2013 |
| Genre | Board, Strategy |
| Players | Multiplayer |
| Technology | HTML5 / JavaScript |
| Platforms | Desktop, Tablet, Mobile browser |
| Average session | About 5 minutes |
| Licence | MIT |
| Last updated |
What kind of game Four in a Row is
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Four in a Row — Frequently Asked Questions
Is Four in a Row free to play?
Yes, completely. The game is open source under the MIT licence and free to play here with no payment, no sign-up and no premium tier.
Can I play against a friend on the same computer?
Yes. The two-player mode lets two people share one screen, dropping discs in turn. It is a true local multiplayer game with no room codes or accounts.
Can I play Four in a Row on my phone?
Yes. Tap a column to drop your disc. The game works in portrait and landscape on mobile browsers, and two players can pass the phone back and forth.
What happens if the board fills up?
If the grid fills completely with no player having connected four, the game is a draw. With best play, a draw is possible, which is part of why the strategy is so interesting.
How do I win at Four in a Row?
Line up four of your discs in a straight line — horizontally, vertically or diagonally — before your opponent does. The tips above cover the strongest opening and blocking strategies.
Is there a computer opponent?
Yes. You can play solo against the computer, which is a great way to practise the tactics before you challenge a friend.
What other two-player games are on this site?
If you enjoy head-to-head play, Chess offers a deeper strategy battle on the same device, also free in your browser with no download.
Licence & Attribution
Based on c4 by Kenrick Chien · MIT License
Licence verified .