Connect Four with Friends

Send a link and take turns dropping discs.

How to play Connect Four online with friends

Connect Four, also known as 4 in a row, is a two-player game on a grid with 7 columns and 6 rows. You take turns dropping coloured discs into a column. The disc falls to the lowest empty spot. The first player to line up four discs in a row wins, horizontally, vertically or diagonally.

To play with a friend:

  1. Create a game. Tap the button to start a new match.
  2. Send the link. Copy it and send it in a chat or DM.
  3. Your friend joins. They open the link and the match begins.
  4. Take turns. Tap a column to drop your disc. The board updates for both of you.

No account is needed, and your friend doesn't need to install anything. It works in the browser on a phone or a computer.

Play against the computer

No friend around? Switch to the single-player mode and play against the computer. It uses simple tactics, so it blocks obvious threats and takes easy wins, but it isn't a perfect player. It's good practice before you challenge a friend.

How online turns work

The board is saved on our server, and the game checks for your opponent's move about every two seconds. That means you don't need to keep the page open the whole time, but it feels most like real-time when you both do. The server checks each move to make sure it's your turn and the move is legal, so nobody can cheat by playing twice. If a match has no moves for 30 minutes, it's cancelled. We only save the board, not chat messages.

Tips to win at 4 in a row

  • Take the middle column. It's part of the most possible lines.
  • Think two moves ahead. Make a setup where you have two ways to win at once.
  • Watch the diagonals. They're easy to miss, and most surprise wins come from them.
  • Don't ignore three in a row. If your friend has three, block the open end right away.
  • Beware of "stacking" a column. Filling a spot can give your opponent the square above.

Ideas for playing with friends

  • Best of five: play five games and the first to win three gets bragging rights.
  • Loser's challenge: the loser changes their profile picture or spins the truth or dare wheel.
  • Lunch break match: send a link before class and play between lessons.

More to try

Think your friends know you well? Make your own quiz and see who gets the best score. For more things to play, head to the games page.

FAQ

Is Connect Four online free?

Yes. It's free to play and you don't need to sign up.

How do I play with a friend?

Create a game, copy the link and send it. When your friend opens it, you can start playing.

Can I play on my phone?

Yes. The board works on phones, tablets and computers.

What happens if my friend leaves?

If nobody makes a move for 30 minutes, the match is cancelled. You can create a new one anytime.

Can I play alone?

Yes. Choose the computer mode to play a single-player game against a simple computer opponent.

Does the game have a chat?

No. We only save the board, so share the link in your own chat app and talk there.

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