Connect 4

How to Play Connect 4

Connect 4 is a two-player connection game played on a vertical 7-column, 6-row grid. Players take turns dropping colored discs into any column, and the disc falls to the lowest available position. The first player to form a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal line of four discs wins. If all 42 spaces fill up without four in a row, the game is a draw.

On PlayVersusAI, you play as red against the AI (yellow). Choose from four difficulty levels, from beginner-friendly Easy mode to the punishing AI Training mode where the AI searches as deep as possible within a 2-second time limit.

Strategy Tips

• Control the center column -- Column 4 is involved in the most possible four-in-a-row combinations. Claiming it early gives you a strategic advantage.
• Build double threats -- Create positions where you can win in two places at once. Your opponent can only block one.
• Think ahead -- Don't just react to the AI's moves. Plan your own sequences and force the AI into defensive positions.
• Watch for diagonals -- Diagonal connections are harder to spot than horizontal or vertical ones. Keep an eye on both yours and the AI's diagonal threats.
• Use the odd-even strategy -- Threats on odd-numbered rows (from the bottom) are more valuable when it's your turn, because you control when they get filled.