4 in a Row (Connect Four): Background and How to Play

 

4 in a Row (Connect Four): Background and How to Play

Background and History of 4 in a Row

4 in a Row, also widely known as Connect Four, is a classic two-player strategy game invented by Howard Wexler and Ned Strongin in 1974 and popularized by Milton Bradley (now Hasbro).

The game is simple to learn but strategically deep, making it popular for children and adults alike. It’s often used to teach critical thinking, planning, and foresight in a fun and competitive way.

Objective of 4 in a Row

The goal is simple: be the first player to connect four of your discs in a row, either vertically, horizontally, or diagonally.

4 in a Row Game Components

  • Game Board – Vertical grid with 7 columns and 6 rows

  • Discs / Tokens – Each player has 21 discs of one color (typically red or yellow)

  • Slot Openings – Each column allows discs to be dropped from the top

How to Play 4 in a Row

1. Setup

  • Place the vertical game board between the two players.

  • Each player chooses a color and takes their 21 discs.

  • Decide who goes first.

2. Taking Turns

  • Players take turns dropping a disc into any of the seven columns.

  • The disc falls to the lowest available space in that column.

3. Winning the Game

  • The first player to align four discs in a row (vertically, horizontally, or diagonally) wins immediately.

  • If the board fills completely without any player connecting four, the game ends in a draw.

Tips for Beginners

  • Plan ahead – think several moves in advance.

  • Block your opponent if they are about to make four in a row.

  • Control the center columns – they give more opportunities for multiple winning paths.

  • Watch for diagonal opportunities, which are easy to miss.

Why 4 in a Row Is Fun and Educational

  • Encourages critical thinking and strategy

  • Simple rules make it suitable for all ages

  • Quick games, usually 5–15 minutes, ideal for casual play

  • Great for home, school, and travel

  • Teaches pattern recognition and foresight

💡 Pro Tip: 4 in a Row can be turned into a tournament-style game for family game nights or classroom competitions, making it fun and competitive.

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