Four in a line game strategy

As a result, the middle squares are more valuable. The diagram below shows the number of winning groups sets of buttons in a row that each square offers.

Surround to conquer your opponent. However be observant and stop our opponent building horizontal three-in-a-row sequences. Try to stay on the offensive if you can, but defend when necessary. Always look out for force wins or force losses. Look out for your opponent trying to make a three-in-a-row diagonal directly linked to a three-in-a-row horizontal, which is a winning combination. This is an excellent strategy as it forces you to block one winning space, only to lose on the next turn.

Think well ahead on each of your turns and see how you can reverse the position. Forced moves can often give you a winning position. Building 3-in-a-row vertically will seldom not be seen by your opponent. They will have no option but to block it, or else they will lose. This means that they will effectively lose a chance to build a winning position by blocking you.

But you will have 3 of your pieces all stacked together, which can be readily built next to, and you will now have many ways to branch out. You opponent will face a difficult job blocking off all your paths as a result, and this puts you in a good position for a win. Try to kill off columns when you are behind. Often when you start second you will feel like you are always defending. To make things easier, try getting a 3-in-a-row combination in either the 6th or 2nd columns.

You will reduce he options and may disrupt your opponent's strategy. If they try to stop you from blocking column, they will waste moves and give you to go on the offensive. When your get a chance count the spots left on the board. Towards the end of the game, hen you get a chance, count the spots to see who is going to go where when you have to place disks in dead columns. Counting the spots will help you see if you are going to block your chances or will give your opponent an easy win.

If you count remaining spots, and see that you are going to win, play defensive and work on using the dead columns to get a chance to win. He is now a teenager and has an assignment to devise an online program for playing Connect 4.

Source: Public Domain Connect 4 - The solution The solution to the game was explained mathematically and a computer solution devised by James D. This method does require planning, and sometimes depends on your opponent making a mistake or not noticing that you're setting up a trap. This disk formation is a good strategy because it gives you multiple directions in which you can make a connect-four.

Build a septuplet attack. The septuplet attack is similar to the multi-directional attack, but on a much larger scale. As the name suggests, this strategy sets you up to win in one of seven directions.

To execute it, you need to create a very specific configuration with your disks, and will need to control: [8] X Research source The bottom center disk. On the second row from the bottom, the slots one in from either side. On the third row from the bottom, the three center slots in a horizontal configuration.

On the center column, the fourth and fifth slots up from the bottom. You can win Connect Four by connecting all four of your colored checkers in a diagonal line. Not Helpful 37 Helpful Yes, it is possible for a game of Connect 4 to end in a tie.

This will occur where neither player has been able to connect four checkers in a row and the whole Connect 4 board is full. Not Helpful 15 Helpful To win 4 in a row, you need to match four of your disks in a connected line, which can be either horizontal, vertical or diagonal.

There are various strategies to win 4 in a row, the steps above explain some of the best ones to try. Not Helpful 18 Helpful If you get five in a row, then that counts as four in a row. So, yes, you would still win. Not Helpful 43 Helpful Luck is a huge factor in the game. Try talking to your opponents to distract them while you carefully put your master plan into action. Not Helpful 61 Helpful Anshika Prasad.

Not Helpful 42 Helpful Practice the game. Be sure to prevent the winning formations above, and learn your opponents' strategies early. Not Helpful 27 Helpful It is not a guaranteed win, but will help you be better.

If you keep practicing, then the games will be closer, and more fun! Not Helpful 24 Helpful It may be hard for a new player, but an expert can usually pull off the trap every game and force you to give them the win. It just takes lots of practice! Not Helpful 14 Helpful Not Helpful 41 Helpful Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube.

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How to. About This Article. Co-authored by:. Co-authors: Updated: October 8, Categories: Board Games for Children. Article Summary X To win at Connect 4, try to maintain control of the center of the board by planning multiple moves in advance.

Deutsch: Bei Vier Gewinnt gewinnen. Italiano: Vincere a Forza 4. Nederlands: Winnen met Vier op 'n rij. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,, times. I can't stand losing against this kid and I've only won once.

Hopefully these tips and tricks help! More reader stories Hide reader stories. Did this article help you? Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Fabio Delagustavo Aug 10, Dylan J. Nov 20, I haven't heard of the 7 strategy before, and now can beat my brother every time! Avante Townsend May 22, Rated this article:.

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