Your turn: tap a column.
Tap or click a column to drop a disc (keys 1–7 or ←/→ and Enter). The first player alternates every round. Scores reset when you close the tab.
free online game
Four in a Row – Connect Four Against the Bug
Drop your discs into the grid and be the first to line up four, across, down or diagonally. Challenge the bug's AI on three difficulty levels, or hand the phone to a friend for a two-player match.
How to play Four in a Row
- 1. Drop a disc
Tap or click a column. Your disc falls to the lowest empty space in that column. - 2. Take turns
You (cyan) and the bug or your friend (amber) take turns dropping one disc at a time. - 3. Connect four
The first to make a line of four discs horizontally, vertically or diagonally wins the round. If the grid fills up first, it's a draw.
Controls
| Action | Keyboard / mouse | Phone / tablet |
|---|---|---|
| Drop a disc | Click a column, or keys 1–7 | Tap a column |
| Choose a column | ← / → then Enter | – |
| Next round | Play again button | Play again button |
Strategy tips to beat the bug
- Control the centre column
The middle column is part of more possible lines than any other. Start there when you can. - Build two threats at once
Set up two different spots where one more disc would win. The bug can only block one of them. - Watch the square above
Before you drop, check whether your disc gives your opponent the space they need right above it. - Think in odd and even rows
In long games, the first player usually wants threats on odd rows (counting from the bottom) and the second player on even rows.
Free four in a row game for one or two players
Four in a Row is the classic vertical strategy game many people know as Connect 4. Play it here for free in your browser, on a phone, tablet or computer, with no download or sign-up. Prefer a quicker duel? Try XO: Tic Tac Toe against the same bug.
Frequently asked questions
Is Four in a Row the same as Connect 4?
Yes, it follows the same rules: a 7-column, 6-row grid where players drop discs and try to connect four in a row.
Can two people play on one phone?
Yes. Switch to 2 players mode and pass the device between turns. The status line shows whose turn it is.
How strong is the bug on hard?
On hard the bug looks six moves ahead and always takes a win or blocks yours, so you'll need to create double threats to beat it.
More free games to play online
- XO: Tic Tac ToeClassic XO against a smart AI opponent.
- Bug RunnerAn endless runner: jump obstacles and survive.
- Bug CatcherCatch coins and bugs, dodge the bombs.
- SnakeEat, grow and avoid your own tail.
- Memory MatchFlip cards and find all the matching pairs.
- Bug FlyerA one-tap flying game: fly through the gaps.
Looking for something else? Browse all free browser games – every game runs instantly on desktop, tablet and mobile with no download or sign-up.