Dots and boxes: the pen-and-paper classic

Take turns drawing a line between two dots. Close the fourth side of a box and it’s yours (a little pal moves in), and you go again. Whoever owns the most boxes at the end wins.

The ideas Fig teaches

• Don’t draw the third side of a box: it hands the box to the other player.
• Close a box when you can, and remember you get another go.
• Near the end every line gives something away, so give away the smallest chain.
• The expert trick: sometimes leave the last two boxes of a chain, so the other player has to open the next chain for you.

Three board sizes

Small (3 by 3) for a quick game, medium (4 by 4), or big (5 by 5) for a long think.

Three levels

One star gives boxes away freely, two stars avoids third sides, and three stars knows the chain tricks.

Questions grown-ups ask

What age is dots and boxes for?

About six and up. Younger children can play the small board with a grown-up.

What else is dots and boxes called?

It’s also known as the dot game, boxes, squares, or pigs in a pen.

Is it free?

Yes, with no ads, no accounts and nothing to buy.

Play dots & boxes now, free →

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