Dots and Boxes

HOW TO PLAY

Choose how many players will be in the game and whether they're human or computer players
Each turn, drag between two horizontally or vertically adjacent dots to draw a line
Drawing the 4th wall of a box wins it, earning you a point. When you close a box you must move again.
Lines are drawn until all squares are claimed. The player with the most claimed squares wins!
Be careful not to create long chains of boxes for your opponents to claim
Think of creative ways to double cross your opponent, forcing them to give you the long chains!

FEATURES

Up to 4 player Dots and Boxes
4 computer difficulties to challenge
Different board sizes to choose from
A number of fun game board themes
Automatic game saves so you can come back anytime
Beautiful graphics and animations
Simple, pleasing sound effects
Easy to use interface
Totally free!

About Dots and Boxes

RULES

Dots and Boxes is a fun and simple classic pen-and-paper game for 2 or more players. The game starts with an empty grid of dots. The grid can be any size and Gametable's Dots and Boxes has a handful to choose from.

Usually a coin is flipped or Rock-Paper-Scissors is played to see who goes first, but in Gametable's Tabletop Dots and Boxes, Player 1 always starts first.

Players take turns connecting 2 unjoined horizontally or vertically adjacent dots. A player who completes the fourth side of a 1x1 box earns one point and must take another turn.

The game ends when all lines are drawn and boxes are claimed. The player with the most points wins. If more than one player has the same high score, the game is a tie.

STRATEGY

Most novice players always claim a box if they can, but expert players take time to consider double crossing their opponent. A double cross is when you give a short chain of boxes to your opponent and then leave them with no choice but to create a long chain for you on the next turn. It is the key to winning!

HISTORY

Dots and Boxes has classically been played on paper using pencils. It was first described by a French mathematician, Édouard Lucas, in the 19th century. Mr. Lucas called it La Pipopipette.

DOTS GAME, SQUARES, or PIGS IN A PEN

Dots and Boxes has been known by many other names including the Dots Game, Boxes, Squares, Dot to Dot Grid, La Pipopipette, and our favorite- Pigs in a Pen!