How to play Connect 4
Here’s how to play Connect 4: take turns dropping coloured discs into a board seven columns wide and six rows tall, and the first player to line up four of their own discs wins. Rows, columns and diagonals all count. You can play free online in your browser.
Beat Pete adds ten computer opponents, from a beginner to Pete himself, plus online play against a random opponent and friend play. Below you’ll find the rules, some strategy tips and answers to common questions.
The basics
Two players take turns dropping discs into a board seven columns wide and six rows tall. You play Red; a coin toss decides who drops first.
Dropping
- Tap a column and your disc falls to the lowest empty space in it.
- A column holds six discs. Once it’s full you can’t drop there.
Winning
- Get four of your discs in a row — across, up and down, or diagonally — and you win.
- If the board fills up with nobody getting four, it’s a draw.
- Watch out for your opponent’s three-in-a-rows, and try to make two threats at once — they can only block one.
Move clock
- Games against the computer and against friends have no clock — take as long as you like.
- Only Play someone online (a random opponent) uses a 2-minute move clock. It turns amber at 30 seconds and red at 10, and if it runs out you lose that turn: no disc is dropped and it’s your opponent’s go.
The Beat Pete ladder
- Level 1 is open. Beat an opponent to unlock the next one; once unlocked, you can play them any time. As a guest you can play Trevor; sign up free for better opponents and the full ladder.
- At the top of the ladder is Pete, who has barely ever lost.
Controls
- Your disc shows where it will land. On a phone, touch the board and slide along to aim, then let go to drop.
- Hint works against Levels 1–2.
- Keyboard: ← → pick a column, Enter or Space drops. N new game, H hint.
Beginner tips
- Start in the middle. A disc in the centre column can be part of more possible lines than one at the edge, so it gives you the most chances to make four.
- Block every open three. If your opponent has three in a row with an empty space that can be filled at either end, stop it straight away.
- Aim for a double threat: set up two different ways to win at once. Your opponent can only block one of them.
Frequently asked questions
Who goes first in Connect 4?
A coin toss decides who drops first. You play Red.
How do you win at Connect 4?
Get four of your discs in a row, across, up and down, or diagonally. Your disc falls to the lowest empty space in the column you choose.
What happens if the Connect 4 board fills up?
If the board fills with nobody getting four in a row, the game is a draw. A column holds six discs, and once it’s full you can’t drop there.
Is there a time limit in Connect 4?
Only in online games against a random opponent, where every move has a 2-minute clock and running out costs you that turn. Games against the computer and against friends have no time limit.
Is it free to play Connect 4 against the computer?
Yes. Connect 4 is free to play in your browser, with nothing to download. Guests can play the first computer opponent, Trevor, and a free account unlocks the rest of the ten-level ladder up to Pete. You can also play a friend online.
Ready to play Connect 4?
It’s free and works in your browser — no download. Start against Trevor, the friendliest opponent, and sign up free to climb the ladder of ten computer players all the way to Pete.
Play Connect 4 now How to win at Connect 4