Dots and Boxes

How to play Dots and Boxes

Dots and Boxes starts with an empty grid of dots. Two players take turns drawing a single horizontal or vertical line between two neighbouring dots.

On your turn, draw one line that has not been drawn yet. Tap or click the gap between two dots.
If your line completes the fourth side of a box, that box becomes yours and is filled with your colour.
Whenever you complete a box you must move again. One line can complete two boxes at once.
If your line does not complete a box, the turn passes to your opponent.

The game ends when every line has been drawn. The player who owns the most boxes wins.

Don't draw the third side. A box with three sides is a gift to your opponent. Early on, only play lines that keep every box at two sides or fewer.
Think in chains. Near the end, the board breaks into chains — corridors of boxes where taking one lets you take the next. Whoever is forced to open the first long chain usually loses.
Learn the double-cross. When your opponent opens a long chain, take all but the last two boxes and leave them with a single line that hands those two back. It costs you two boxes but forces them to open the next chain.
Count chains to control the ending. With a little practice you can count whether you will be the one forced to open a chain, and change the parity in the middle game.

What board sizes can I play?

You can choose 3×3, 5×5 or 7×7 boxes. Small boards are quick and great for kids; the large board is a real strategy test.

Do I get another turn after completing a box?

Yes. Completing a box always earns you another move — that is the heart of the game.

Can there be a draw?

On boards with an odd number of boxes (3×3, 5×5, 7×7) a draw is impossible, so there is always a winner.

Is Dots and Boxes good for children?

Very. The rules take a minute to learn, and it quietly teaches planning and counting. Start with the 3×3 board and the Easy computer.