THE PLAYBOOK · GLSFW
How to play Dots and Boxes
Bring your attention to one round of Dots and Boxes. Claim the most boxes when all nine boxes are complete. Look at what changes after your first action. Compare the starting position with the example in the Guide. Use the example below to understand a decision.
Make the controls familiar
Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart. Use the example to check your reasoning.
Your goal
Claim the most boxes when all nine boxes are complete. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. Return to the instructions when a step is unclear.
Step by step
- Select an unfilled edge between adjacent dots.
- Take turns while no box is completed.
- Completing one or two boxes in a move earns another turn.
- Once the board is full, compare the box totals.
Controls
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Use one clear input at a time.
A useful example
An edge shared by two nearly complete boxes can capture both boxes in one move. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Check the stated objective.
Watch out for this
Closing a box does not end your turn; you must draw again. Compare the situation with the worked example. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.
Common questions
While reading the Guide, what is the goal of Dots and Boxes?
Keep this in mind: Claim the most boxes when all nine boxes are complete.
Before I begin, how do I control Dots and Boxes?
Here is the relevant explanation: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
For my first round, what example helps explain Dots and Boxes?
For clarity: Drawing the fourth edge of a small square claims that box. Keep your turn after closing a box; otherwise the other player moves next.
For my first round, what should I watch out for in Dots and Boxes?
The key detail is this: Closing a box does not end your turn; you must draw again.
For my first round, what format does Dots and Boxes offer?
The key detail is this: Play using the same-device two players mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
On this playing page, which play mode does Dots and Boxes use?
For clarity: The mode on this page is Same-device two players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
