Dots and Boxes

Take turns adding a horizontal or vertical line. Completing a box claims it and gives you another turn. One line can complete two boxes. When all 25 boxes are claimed, the player with the most boxes wins.

Online rooms wait for all players. Everyone must agree to a rematch. Leaving or disconnecting clears that online board.

The third side is a decision

Early in the game, look for lines that leave boxes with at most two sides. Adding a third side offers the opponent an immediate box, and completing that box gives them another turn. When a line finishes two neighboring boxes, the player claims both. The board records ownership, so count boxes rather than the number of lines you have drawn.

Notice chains of nearly finished boxes

A chain forms when claiming one box offers another, letting a player score repeatedly. Before opening a chain, follow it across the board and estimate how many boxes it gives away. Sometimes every remaining line offers a box; then compare the available chains instead of looking for a safe move that no longer exists. The winner is the player with the most of the 25 boxes after the final line. Use same-device play to discuss these choices, or practice against a bot.

Questions players ask

Can one line score two boxes?

Yes. If it closes the shared side of two three-sided boxes, you claim both and keep your turn.

Why did my opponent play several lines in a row?

Each completed box grants another turn. A chain can let one player claim several boxes before handing over.

What decides the winner?

The count of owned boxes after all 25 are claimed. Drawing more lines by itself earns no points.

Keep playing and learning

Play paper Football for a different extra-turn rule, explained in the bounce guide.