How to Play Classic Connect 4
Classic Connect 4 is a two-player game played on a vertical board with seven columns and six rows. Players take turns dropping one disc into a column. The disc falls to the lowest empty slot. The first player to connect four discs of the same colour — horizontally, vertically or diagonally — wins.
Board, pieces and turn order
The board holds 42 discs, 21 red and 21 yellow. Red always moves first, then players alternate. Each turn is one drop: you cannot pass, move an existing disc or choose a row directly.
- Seven columns, six rows per column.
- Gravity decides the row: every disc lands on the lowest free slot.
- A full column cannot be used — choose another one.
The four winning directions
- Horizontal: four discs across one row.
- Vertical: four discs stacked in one column.
- Diagonal up-right: four discs rising from left to right.
- Diagonal down-right: four discs falling from left to right.
Draws
If all 42 slots are filled and nobody has four in a row, the game is a draw.
Beginner tips that actually help
- Take the centre column early — it belongs to more potential lines.
- Before you drop, scan the board for your opponent's three-in-a-row.
- Look for two threats at once. One threat can be blocked; two usually cannot.
Want to go deeper? Read creating double threats and blocking your opponent, or see the full rules page.
Play online
Open a private room with a friend (Play with Friends), or practise against the AI at three levels. No download, no signup.