Your Turn
Game Overview
Connect Four is a two-player (or player vs simple AI) abstract strategy game. Drop colored discs into a vertical grid aiming to connect four horizontally, vertically, or diagonally before your opponent while denying their threats.
Core Strategy Concepts
1. Center Column Priority
Center placements influence more potential lines, increasing tactical flexibility.
2. Threat Stacking
Create positions where any opponent block still enables a different winning align on the following move.
3. Low Anchor Control
Early base layers determine future vertical stacking; avoid giving free anchor cells.
4. Fork Construction
Design dual simultaneous threats forcing impossible defense.
Common Mistakes
- Edge Overcommit: Reduces active line count and stunts forks.
- Ignoring Diagonals: Horizontal focus misses rising diagonal win setups.
- Late Center Contest: Arriving late to center area yields reactive play.
- Single Threat Tunnel: Overextending one direction telegraphs defense.
Connect Four FAQ
Is first player advantaged?
Optimal play gives first player a theoretical win; practical skill narrows gap.
Strong opening?
Center column drop maximizes future threat branching.
How to defend forks?
Prevent foundation layers enabling stacked dual threats—defuse early.
Best late tactic?
Force opponent into parity misalignment where you control final column entry.
Improve quickly?
Review finished boards and mark missed potential fork squares.