How to Play Connect 4: Rules and Setup
Connect 4 is a two-player strategy game where the goal is to get four of your pieces in a row before your opponent does. It takes 30 seconds to learn and rewards deep strategic thinking at every level.
The Goal
Connect 4 is played on a vertical 7-column × 6-row grid. Players take turns dropping coloured discs into any column — discs fall to the lowest available row. The first player to connect four discs in a row — horizontally, vertically, or diagonally — wins. If all 42 squares fill without a winner, the game is a draw.
Setup and Rules
The board starts empty — no pieces are placed during setup.
- Choose a colour and decide who goes first (first player has a slight advantage).
- On your turn, drop one disc into any column that is not full.
- Your disc falls to the lowest empty row in that column.
- No taking back moves — once dropped, a disc stays.
- First to connect four wins; full board with no winner is a draw.
Quick Tips to Win Your First Games
- Play the centre column first — it connects to more winning combinations than any other column.
- Build threats in multiple directions simultaneously — two threats at once cannot both be blocked.
- Always check your opponent's threats before moving — an unblocked three-in-a-row costs you the game.
Play Connect 4 Online
On BoardGambit, Connect 4 is available as free practice against the computer (Easy, Normal, Hard AI) and as real-money matches against live opponents. Wager $1–$50 per match — the winner takes 90% of the combined pot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pieces do you need to win Connect 4?
You need exactly four of your own pieces in a straight line — horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Five or more in a row also counts as a win.
Can Connect 4 end in a draw?
Yes — if all 42 squares are filled and no player has connected four, the game is a draw. On BoardGambit, draws return both wagers to the players.
Is Connect 4 free to play online?
Yes — BoardGambit offers free Connect 4 vs computer with no account required. Real-money matches against live opponents require a free account.