How to play Four in a Row

Drop discs and line up four before the computer does.

The goal

Drop your red discs into the grid and line up four in a row (across, up and down, or diagonally) before the computer lines up four yellow ones.

Dropping discs

The grid has 7 columns and 6 rows. A disc dropped into a column falls to the lowest empty hole.
Tap a column to drop a disc there. Or press and slide along the board: your disc follows your finger and drops where you let go.
A full column takes no more discs.
On a keyboard, move your disc with the left and right arrows and drop it with Enter, Space or the down arrow. Keys 1 to 7 drop straight into a column.

Taking turns

You and the computer take turns, one disc each. Who goes first alternates from game to game.
The note under the grid shows whose turn it is. The computer takes a moment to think, then drops its disc.
Undo takes back your last disc and the computer’s reply.

Winning

The first to make a line of four of their color wins: across, up and down, or on either diagonal. The winning four glow.
If all 42 holes fill up with no line of four, the game is a draw.
Starting a new game partway through counts as a loss.

Levels

Easy slips up and sometimes misses your threats: a good place to learn.
Normal always blocks a four you’re about to make and looks a few moves ahead.
Hard reads many moves deep and plays the endgame perfectly.
Your games won and fastest win are kept for each level.

Questions

How do you win Four in a Row?

Drop your red discs into the grid and line up four in a row (across, up and down, or diagonally) before the computer lines up four yellow ones.

Is Four in a Row free to play?

Yes. Four in a Row on Everyday Games is free and plays in your web browser on phones, tablets and computers, with nothing to download.

Do I need an account to play?

No. You can play without signing in, and your stats and games in progress are saved in your browser. Sign in with Google or Apple to keep them in your account and pick up where you left off on any device.

What modes does Four in a Row have?

You can play Easy, Normal or Hard. Your record (games played, wins and best results) is kept separately for each.

Strategy guides

How to Win at Four in a Row