How to play Dots and Boxes
- The board is a grid of dots, five boxes by five. Take turns drawing one line between two neighbouring dots.
- Draw the fourth side of a box and you claim it in your colour — and you must draw another line straight away.
- When every box has been claimed, whoever owns the most wins. A shared top score is a draw.
- Two, three or four can play. The first move passes round the table from game to game.
How to play with a friend
- Tap “Play with friends” above. RoomDrift opens a Dots and Boxes game and gives you a six-character code.
- Send the code or the invite link to up to three friends — any messaging app works.
- Start when you're ready. With four of you the game starts by itself; with two or three, anyone can start it.
Tips to win
- Never draw the third side of a box. The next player simply takes it — and maybe a whole chain after it.
- Count the chains. Late in the game the board splits into chains of boxes. Whoever is forced to open the first long chain usually loses.
- Give two to keep the rest. When taking a chain, sometimes leaving the last two boxes for your opponent forces them to open the next, longer one for you.
Questions
How many people can play Dots and Boxes?
Two to four. Host a game with Play with friends and share the code with up to three people. With four in the room the game starts by itself; with two or three, anyone can tap Start.
Can I play Dots and Boxes against a stranger?
Yes — Play a stranger matches you with someone else who wants a game of Dots and Boxes, for a two-player game.
What happens if someone leaves mid-game?
The game ends for everyone and the rest of you go back to the game list with the same room, ready to start again.
No sign-up, no download — Dots and Boxes starts in your browser.
Play Dots and Boxes