Dots and Boxes

Draw lines, close boxes, claim the board.

Players: 2–4 players
Time: 5–20 min
Ages: 6+
Where: Same room
You need: Nothing but this page

How to play Dots and Boxes

1Choose a board size and how many players.
2Take turns tapping between two neighbouring dots to draw a line.
3Draw the fourth side of a box and it's yours, and you take another turn straight away.
4When every box is claimed, the player with the most boxes wins.

Board

Players

Player 1: 0
Player 2: 0

Player 1's turn

Variations

Pen and paper: draw a grid of dots and play exactly the same way, with initials in the boxes.

Tips

Avoid drawing the third side of a box. It hands your opponent a free point.

Great for

With Friends Family Night Kids' Parties Multiplayer

Play next

Would You Rather

Two impossible choices. Defend your pick.

2+ players5–30 minAges 6+

Tic Tac Toe

Three in a row wins. Against a friend or the computer.

1–2 players1–15 minAges 4+

Four in a Row

Drop your discs. Connect four to win.

1–2 players3–20 minAges 6+

Mancala

Sow stones, capture pits, fill your store.

1–2 players5–20 minAges 6+