Back to all games
Word

Dots and Boxes

A pencil-and-paper strategy game. Players take turns drawing lines between dots, trying to complete boxes while avoiding giving opponents easy completions.

Popularity
#50
2 players
5-15 minutes
Easy

What You'll Need

📝 Paper and pencil

About This Game

A pencil-and-paper strategy game. Players take turns drawing lines between dots, trying to complete boxes while avoiding giving opponents easy completions.

How to Play

  1. Start with a grid of dots (commonly 5×5 or larger)
  2. Players alternate drawing one horizontal or vertical line connecting adjacent dots
  3. Player who draws the fourth side of a box claims it (initial inside)
  4. Completing a box earns another turn
  5. Chain reactions possible: keep drawing as long as you complete boxes
  6. Game ends when all boxes are completed
  7. Count boxes; most wins
  8. Strategy: avoid drawing third side of a box
  9. End-game involves sacrificing short chains to gain long ones

Learn More

Rules & How to Play

1 link

Videos

1 link

Background

1 link
Added about 1 month ago • Updated 28 days ago
Browse more games