About Dots & Boxes
Dots & Boxes rewards thinking beyond the next square. Place one line, complete a box to keep your turn, and decide when to open a chain for your opponent. Choose a compact 3×3 board or a longer 5×5 contest, play three computer difficulties, or pass the same device between two players. Hard uses chain evaluation and an exact search in small endgames; it sees the same board you do. The daily challenge sets a 4×4 board and Hard opponent. Local saves keep unfinished games in this browser rather than syncing them to an account.
How to play
Draw an unused horizontal or vertical line between adjacent dots. Whoever adds the fourth side claims the box and plays again. One line can close two boxes. Keep playing until every line is filled; the player with the higher box count wins, or equal counts produce a draw.
Rules in this version
- Add one unused edge per turn.
- Completing one or two boxes awards their points and keeps your turn.
- Box labels 1 and 2 identify the owner alongside colour.
- The highest box total wins after all lines are drawn.
- Daily fixes the size and difficulty and disables Undo. There is no online multiplayer.
Tips for playing
- Check whether an edge creates a third side before giving it away.
- Look for linked chains, especially when safe lines run out.
- Plan who will have to open the next chain after a series of captures.
Questions about this game
Can I play a friend online?
This edition supports two players on one device, without online rooms or matchmaking.
How does Hard choose moves?
It evaluates chain concessions and searches endgames with up to 12 remaining lines. Its decisions use only the visible board.
Game screenshots
Version history
v1.1.0 ·
- Completed results and statistics recorded only once.
- Hard chain evaluation and exact search in small endgames.
- Numbered box ownership, arrow navigation and new-game confirmation.
