Two players · dot grid
How to play Dots and Boxes
Take turns joining two dots with a line. Close the fourth side of a box to claim it and draw again. Most boxes at the end wins.
What you need
- A pencil or pen
- A sheet of paper
- Two players
How to set up
Draw 5 rows of 5 dots (16 boxes). Decide who goes first.
1. Draw a square of dots: 5 rows of 5, evenly spaced.
2. Take turns joining two neighbouring dots with a short line.
3. Close the last side of a box: write your initial inside and draw again.
How to play
- Join two dots that sit next to each other, across or down, with one line.
- If your line closes a box, write your initial in it and draw another line.
- One line can close two boxes at once.
How to win
Claim more boxes than your rival. When every line is drawn, count the boxes. More boxes wins; equal is a draw.
Tip Never draw the third side of a box unless you must. When you must, give away the shortest chain.
Variants
- 4 × 4 boxes
- The classic board: 25 dots, 16 boxes.
- 3 × 3 boxes
- A quick game: 16 dots, 9 boxes.
Play Dots and Boxes in the app
- Play against doodled characters, from beginner to expert.
- Pass and play with a friend on one device.
Every game comes with a step-by-step tutorial and printable sheets.