Dots and Boxes

Dots and Boxes is a pencil-and-paper strategy game on a grid of dots. Players take turns drawing one line between two neighbouring dots. Whoever draws the fourth side of a box takes it and moves again, and the player with more boxes wins. Play against the computer on three levels, or share the screen with a friend. On the hard level the computer plays the endgame perfectly. Play Dots and Boxes free online in your browser — no download or sign-up needed.

Take turns drawing one line between neighbouring dots. Closing the fourth side of a box scores it and gives you another turn. The player with more boxes wins. On Hard the computer plays the endgame perfectly.

Game Information

Category
Board and Dice Games
Players
You against the computer, or two players on one screen
Difficulty
Easy, Medium and Hard
Game type
Strategy, Classic, Two player
Works on
Desktop and mobile browsers
Controls
  • Mouse or touch: click or tap a line between two dots
Features
  • 4×4 boxes
  • Computer on three levels
  • Two-player mode on one device
  • Record saved against the computer

How to Play Dots and Boxes

Objective

Close more boxes than your opponent.

Starting a game

Choose a level or two-player mode, then click a line.

Rules

  • Players take turns drawing one line.
  • Closing the fourth side of a box scores it, colours it and gives you another turn.
  • The game ends when all forty lines are drawn; the player with more boxes wins.
  • A draw is possible.

Controls

  • Mouse or touch: click or tap a line between two dots

Winning and losing

Win by closing more boxes than your opponent.

Tips and Strategies

  • Avoid drawing the third side of a box; it gives it away.
  • Count the boxes in a chain before you open it.
  • At the end of the game someone will have to open a chain; try to be the one who takes the longer chains.
  • Sometimes it is better to decline the last two boxes of a chain to keep control.
  • Play against the Hard level to learn the endgame.

Game Variations

  • Against the computer on Easy, Medium or Hard.
  • Two players: take turns on the same screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can two people play?

Yes, choose Two players and share the device.

How big is the board?

Five by five dots, which makes four by four boxes.

How good is the hard computer?

In the last stage of a game it calculates the best result exactly.

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