Dots and Boxes
Play Dots and Boxes online against the computer on a compact 4×4 board. Tap the space between two dots to draw a line. Close the fourth side of a square to claim it and take another turn. Easy early moves become tricky choices when the board fills up: leave the wrong third side and your opponent can collect a whole chain. Cyan circles mark your boxes; magenta diamonds mark the computer’s. There is no timer, so pause and think through the next move. Play free in your browser, with touch or keyboard and no account or download.
Dots and Boxes
Play Dots and Boxes online against the computer on a compact 4×4 board. Tap the space between two dots to draw a line. Close the fourth side of a square to claim it and take another turn. Easy early moves become tricky choices when the board fills up: leave the wrong third side and your opponent can collect a whole chain. Cyan circles mark your boxes; magenta diamonds mark the computer’s. There is no timer, so pause and think through the next move. Play free in your browser, with touch or keyboard and no account or download.
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📖 How to Play
Tap between two neighboring dots to draw a line. Complete a box to earn 10 points and play again. Claim more of the 16 boxes than the computer to win. Arrow keys select an empty line; Enter or Space draws it. P pauses. Sound and your local best score use the controls above the board.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What are the rules of Dots and Boxes?
Players take turns joining two neighboring dots horizontally or vertically. Whoever draws the fourth side owns that box and takes another turn. When all 16 boxes are claimed, the player with the most wins. An 8–8 match is a draw.
How do I avoid giving the computer a long chain?
Look for lines that do not add a third side to a box. Once every safe line is gone, compare the connected boxes you would give away. Opening a shorter chain can be better than handing over a longer one. The computer uses a heuristic, not perfect play.
Can I play on a phone and save my score?
Yes. Tap an empty line on a phone, click with a mouse, or select lines with the arrow keys and Enter. Each box you claim is worth 10 points. Your best score stays in this browser when local storage is available; no account is needed.