Four in a Row
Four in a Row: quick guide and game info
Get ready for some serious fun with Four in a Row (also known as Connect Four or Connect 4). The classic strategy game where you drop discs and race to connect four in a line. It’s easy to learn but tricky to master, making it perfect for quick matches or intense rivalries.
On our site, you can play against our clever AI opponents: laid-back Marty (Easy), strategic Martin (Medium), or the tough Martimus (Hard). Choose your format, a quick one off game, best of 3, or best of 5, and see if you can outsmart the Martys. It’s free, works great on any device, and delivers that satisfying “click” of dropping discs every time!
game layout and setup
Four in a Row is played on a vertical grid made of 6 rows and 7 columns. Players take turns dropping colored discs into the board from the top.
- You play as Yellow (you start)
- The AI opponent plays as Red
- Discs fall to the lowest available position in a column
- The board starts empty each match
Before playing, you can select:
Your difficulty level (Marty, Martin, or Martimus)
Match type (One Off, Best of 3, or Best of 5)
The combination of strategy and quick decision making makes every match feel different.
how to play
Four in a Row rules are straightforward and super addictive:
- Take turns dropping one disc into any column.
- The disc falls straight down to the lowest available spot.
- First player to get four of their discs in a row horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, wins the round.
- If the board fills up with no winner, it’s a draw.
In a one off, best of 3 or best of 5, keep playing until one player wins the majority of rounds. Marty, Martin, and Martimus will adjust their skill to give you the perfect challenge every time.
how to win
Winning at Four in a Row is all about strategy and thinking ahead:
- Control the center columns, they give you the most opportunities to build lines.
- Create multiple threats so your opponent can only block one.
- Block your rival’s potential four-in-a-row early.
- On higher difficulties (especially against Martimus), you’ll need to plan several moves ahead.
Start with Easy mode against Marty to warm up, then step up to Martin or Martimus. Whether you’re playing a single game or battling through best of 5, the thrill of dropping that perfect disc never gets old!
a little bit of Connect Four history
Four in a Row is a classic connection style strategy game that has entertained players for generations. Games based on this concept became especially popular during the 20th century as tabletop and family strategy games grew in popularity around the world. Thanks to its easy to understand rules and competitive gameplay, Four in a Row quickly became a favorite for players of all ages.
Today, Four in a Row remains one of the most recognizable and enjoyable strategy puzzle games, combining quick gameplay with surprisingly deep tactics.
Ready to make your own winning streaks? Drop those discs and see if you can get four in a row before one of the Martys does!
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