Dots and Boxes Online
The classic pen-and-paper game, now on screen: draw one line at a time, close squares to score and avoid handing your opponent long chains.
Your turn: draw a line.
Against the computer at this level: 0 win(s) · 0 loss(es)
Tap between two dots to draw the line · the yellow line is the last move.
How to play dots and boxes
On your turn, tap the gap between two neighboring dots to draw a line, horizontally or vertically. Whoever draws the fourth side of a square keeps it (their initial appears inside) and plays again.
At the start there are many “safe” lines that do not leave any square with 3 sides. When they run out, someone is forced to open a chain of squares for the other player. The secret is always to give away the smallest chain possible and to count how many long chains are left.
Experienced players use the “double-cross”: when they receive a long chain, they take almost all the squares but leave the last 2 for the opponent, who is then forced to open the next chain. The computer on the hard level knows this trick. Choose a board from 3×3 to 8×8, or play a friend on the same device.
Frequently asked questions
Who wins at dots and boxes?
Whoever closes more squares once every line has been drawn. On boards with an odd number of squares, such as 3×3 or 5×5, a tie is impossible.
What is a good strategy in dots and boxes?
Avoid drawing the third side of a square, because that gives the opponent the point for free. At the end, when every move gives something away, offer the short chains first and use the double-cross to keep control of the long chains.
Does this game have other names?
Yes. It is also known as squares, dots or Timbiriche in Spanish-speaking countries, and in English as Dots and Boxes. The rules are the same as the game played with pencil and paper at school.