Four in a Row looks simple: drop discs into a 7-column, 6-row grid and line up four. But the best players think about which holes they can claim later, not just the line in front of them. These tips work against every level here, from Easy to Hard.
Take the center column
The middle column is part of more possible lines of four than any other, across and on both diagonals. Discs there keep the most options open. When you go first, drop your first disc in the center; when the computer goes first, the center is usually still your best reply.
Always check for threats first
Before every move, look for any hole where the computer would make four on its next turn, and block it.
Then look for a hole that wins for you right now.
Don’t drop a disc directly under a hole the computer needs: your disc would let it play there next.
Build a double threat
One threat can be blocked. Two threats at once can’t. Three discs in a row with both ends open, or two lines that need two different playable holes, means the computer can only stop one. Look for moves that add to two lines at the same time.
Use odd and even rows
Count rows from the bottom. As the grid fills up, the player who went first tends to get the holes on odd rows (1, 3, 5) and the second player the even rows (2, 4, 6). A threat on a row that suits you is likely to win late in the game, even if nobody can play there yet. A threat on the wrong row is easier for your opponent to defuse.
Pick the right level and learn from undo
Easy slips up and sometimes misses your threats: a good place to practice double threats.
Normal always blocks a four you’re about to make, so you’ll need two threats at once to beat it.
Hard reads many moves deep and plays the endgame perfectly. Your best chance is a strong opening and threats on the right rows.
Undo takes back your disc and the computer’s reply, so you can try another idea. Who goes first alternates each game.