How to Play Dots and Boxes
Learn the rules and strategies of this classic strategy game
Quick Summary
Dots and Boxes is a pencil-and-paper strategy game where players take turns connecting dots to form boxes. Complete a box to score a point and earn another turn. The player with the most boxes wins!
Game Overview
Dots and Boxes is a classic pencil-and-paper game that dates back to the 19th century. Also known as "Dots and Lines," "Boxes," or "Paddocks," this simple yet strategic game is perfect for players of all ages.
Players
2+ players (or play against AI)
Duration
5-15 minutes per game
Difficulty
Easy to learn, hard to master
Objective
Complete more boxes than opponent
Basic Rules
Game Board Setup
The game is played on a grid of dots. Common grid sizes are 5×5 (25 dots) or 6×6 (36 dots). Players take turns connecting two adjacent dots with a horizontal or vertical line.
Taking Turns
Players alternate turns drawing one line at a time. You can only draw lines between dots that are directly next to each other (horizontally or vertically, not diagonally).
Completing Boxes
When a player draws the fourth side of a 1×1 box, they "complete" or "capture" that box. The box is marked with the player's color or initial.
When you complete a box, you must take another turn immediately!
Chain Reactions
If completing a box allows you to complete another box with your bonus turn, you can continue taking turns until you make a move that doesn't complete a box.
Game End
The game ends when all possible lines have been drawn and all boxes are completed. The player who has completed the most boxes wins!
Strategy Tips
Early Game Strategy
- Avoid giving away boxes early
- Try to control the center of the board
- Don't complete the third side of a box unless necessary
- Plan several moves ahead
Mid Game Strategy
- Look for chain opportunities
- Sometimes giving away 2 boxes to get 4 is worth it
- Control which boxes opponent can take
- Count available moves carefully
End Game Strategy
- Try to force long chains
- The "double-cross" technique can win games
- Count remaining boxes to determine best moves
- Last chain control often determines winner
Advanced Techniques
- Sacrifice strategy: give up few to gain many
- Parity: control who takes the last chain
- Loop formation and control
- Force opponent into bad positions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Playing Dots and Boxes Online
Our online version of Dots and Boxes offers several ways to play:
Multiplayer Mode
Challenge friends in real-time! Share a game code or link, and play together from anywhere in the world.
AI Opponent
Practice against computer opponents with three difficulty levels: Easy, Standard, and Challenging.
Mobile Friendly
Play on any device - desktop, tablet, or mobile. The interface adapts perfectly to your screen size.
No Registration Required
Start playing immediately! You can play as a guest or sign in with Google to track your game history.
History of Dots and Boxes
Dots and Boxes has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. The game was first published in France in 1889 by mathematician Édouard Lucas, who called it "la pipopipette." The game gained widespread popularity in the early 20th century and has been a classroom favorite ever since.
Despite its simple rules, Dots and Boxes is mathematically complex. Game theory analysis has shown that with perfect play on a standard board, the outcome can be determined, but the calculations are extremely intricate. This combination of simplicity and depth makes it an enduring classic that's perfect for both casual play and serious competition.
Ready to Play?
Now that you know the rules, it's time to put your skills to the test!