Updated
About Dots and Boxes
Dots and Boxes is a classic pencil-and-paper game for two players. The board starts as a grid of dots. Players take turns drawing a single line between two neighboring dots, horizontally or vertically. When a line closes the fourth side of a box, the player who drew it claims the box and takes another turn. When every box has been claimed, the player with the most boxes wins.
It looks simple, and the opening moves are easy, but the endgame is surprisingly deep. Strong players count chains of boxes and plan who will be forced to give them away. This TapGameHub version lets you play a friend on the same screen or challenge the computer on three board sizes.
How to play
- Blue moves first. Move the pointer near the gap between two dots to preview a line, then click or tap to draw it.
- Lines can be horizontal or vertical, between two dots that are next to each other.
- If your line completes a box, the box is filled with your color and you draw again.
- If your line does not complete a box, it is the other player’s turn.
- Avoid drawing the third side of a box, because that lets your opponent close it.
- When all boxes are claimed, the player with more boxes wins.
The scores at the top of the game update as boxes are claimed, and each box is marked B for Blue or C for Coral.
Controls
| Action | Mouse | Touch |
|---|---|---|
| Preview a line | Move the pointer between two dots | Not needed |
| Draw a line | Click between two dots | Tap between two dots |
| Choose an opponent | 2 Players or vs Computer | 2 Players or vs Computer |
| Change board size | 4×4, 5×5 or 6×6 | 4×4, 5×5 or 6×6 |
| Start over | New game button | New game button |
Changing the board size or the opponent starts a new game.
Board sizes
- 4×4 has 16 boxes. Games are quick, which makes it a good size for learning how chains work.
- 5×5 has 25 boxes and is the default. A draw is impossible on this board.
- 6×6 has 36 boxes. There is more room for long chains and more planning in the endgame.
Strategy tips
- Never draw the third side of a box early. In the opening, every line that leaves a box with three sides is a free point for your opponent.
- Count the safe lines. Late in the game, safe moves run out. Try to make sure your opponent is the one who runs out first.
- Give away short chains first. When you must open something, open the shortest chain so your opponent gains as little as possible.
- Learn the double-cross. When your opponent opens a long chain, take every box except the last two. Then draw the line that leaves those two boxes for your opponent. They take two boxes but must then open the next chain for you.
- Think about the long chains. The player who controls the order of the long chains usually wins, even if they are behind early in the game.
- Play the computer on 4×4 first. The small board is a quick way to practice the endgame before moving on to bigger boards.
Frequently asked questions
Do I get another turn when I complete a box?
Yes. Whenever your line closes one or two boxes, you score them and must draw another line straight away. Your turn only passes to the other player when you draw a line that does not complete a box.
Can the game end in a draw?
On the 4×4 and 6×6 boards, yes, because they have an even number of boxes and both players can finish level. The 5×5 board has 25 boxes, so one player always wins.
How does the computer play?
The computer always takes a box when one is available. Otherwise it avoids drawing the third side of any box. When every remaining line gives something away, it chooses the line that hands over the fewest boxes. It does not use the advanced trick of declining boxes on purpose, which you can use to beat it.
What is a chain?
A chain is a row of connected boxes that each already have two sides drawn. Once someone draws a line inside a chain, the other player can take every box in it, one after another. Most games are decided by who is forced to open the long chains first.
Is my game saved?
Your chosen board size and opponent mode are saved in this browser. A game in progress is not saved, and there is no undo, so every line is final.
Can two people play on one device?
Yes. 2 Players is the default mode. Take turns drawing lines on the same screen, with Blue going first. It works with a mouse or by tapping between two dots on a touch screen.
Game not loading or controls not responding? See help with loading, controls and saves.
