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THE CLASSIC DOTS GAME

Dots & Boxes.

Close the square. Keep the turn.

Ready to play

PENCIL-AND-PAPER STRATEGY

How to play Dots and Boxes

  1. Draw one line. Players alternate drawing one horizontal or vertical line between two adjacent dots.
  2. Close a box. Draw the fourth side of a square to claim it and score one point. A single line can complete two boxes.
  3. Keep your turn. Completing at least one box lets you draw again. A scoring chain can continue across several turns.
  4. Claim the grid. The game ends when every line is drawn. The player with the most boxes wins; equal scores are a draw.

Choose a 3×3 to 10×10 box grid. A grid described as 5×5 boxes uses 6×6 dots. Computer matches and private friend rooms need an internet connection. Each turn has a one-minute limit.