Dots and Boxes Game

"Dots and Boxes" is a fun and simple classic board game with pen and paper for 2 or more players. The game starts with a blank grid of dots. The grid can be any size, and there are several variations of dots and squares to choose from.

Usually a coin flip or rock-paper-scissors game is played to see who moves first, but in table dots and squares, player 1 always starts first. Players take turns connecting 2 adjacent dots horizontally or vertically. The player who fills the fourth side of the 1x1 board gets one point and must make one more move. The game ends when all lines are drawn and squares are occupied. The player with the most points wins. If more than one player has the same high score, the game is considered a tie.

Most novice players always claim a square if they can, but experienced players take their time, they think about how to trick their opponent. A double cross is when you give your opponent a short chain of squares and then leave him no choice but to create a long chain for you on his next turn. This is the key to victory!

Dots and Boxes was classically played on paper using pencils. The game was first described by French mathematician Edouard Lucas in the 19th century.

"Dots and Boxes" has also been known by many other names, including: Dots Game, Boxes, Sticks, Squares, Grid of Dots, and more!

How to play?

Choose how many players will be in the game, whether human or computer players. Each turn draw a line between two adjacent points horizontally or vertically to draw a solid line. When you draw the 4th wall of the square, you win, earning you a point. When you close the box, you must move again. Lines are drawn until all squares are occupied. The player with the most squares claimed wins! Be careful not to create long chains of boxes for your opponents. Think of unique ways to trick your opponent into giving you long chains!