Play Connect 4 Game: Connection Board Based Competitive Strategy 2-Player Puzzle Game (2023)

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Play Connect 4 Online Connection Puzzle Game

You can play this free online game inspired by the classic Connect Four connection board game by clicking in the window below.

Alternatively kids and adults can play this competitive connection puzzle game online as a web application here.

Connect 4 Brain Training Strategy Game Play Instructions

• Starting the Game
  • To begin the game, select the play arrow button on the lower right side of the screen.
  • The screen will ask you to choose a game mode.
    • To play against the computer AI, select the first box on the left.
    • To play with a friend, select the second box on the right.
• Other Buttons in the Opening Screen
  • On the top left corner is the “i” icon. Selecting this button shows information about the game developer.
  • Next to the “i” button on the top left corner is the full view button. Select this to put your screen on full view. If you want to return to the original view, simply select it again or press ESC on your keyboard.
  • On the upper right corner of the screen is the audio button. Select it to mute or unmute the game’s music and sound effects.
• Game Controls
  • Touchscreen
    • When playing on mobile or tablet, make sure to rotate your device horizontally for the game to load.
    • Using your finger, simply tap the circle where you want the disc to drop. A white arrow on top of the blue grid shows the position where you will drop your disc. The arrow moves as you slide your cursor from left to right.
    • In this game, if you’re playing against the computer, you will always be assigned with orange discs.
    • The first move is assigned randomly. Sometimes you get to move first, in other games the computer gets the first move.
  • Mouse
    • Using your mouse cursor, simply point to which circle you want your disc to drop.
    • A white arrow on top of the blue grid shows the position where you will drop your disc. The arrow moves as you slide your cursor from left to right.
    • Playing against the computer automatically gives you the orange discs.
    • Whoever gets to move first is assigned randomly. Sometimes you get to drop at disc first, in other games the computer makes the first move.
    • This game does not use any keyboard buttons to drop the discs.
  • In-Game Interface
    • While playing the game, there is a timer at the bottom directly below the suspended grid. This shows how long you’ve been playing the game with your opponent. There is no time limit. But it’s a good indicator of how long you’ve been trying to outsmart each other while playing the round.
    • On the bottom right side of the screen is the “Player Turn” indicator. To know if it’s your turn or your opponent’s turn, refer to this box. If your disc is orange and an orange disc appears, it means it’s your turn.
      • On the top left corner of the screen is the full view button. Select this to put your screen on full view. To go back to your original view, deselect it or press ESC in your keyboard.
      • On the top right corner of the screen is the audio button. Select this to mute or unmute the game’s music.
      • On the top right corner of the screen is the reset button that looks like a round arrow. Select this if you want to restart your game anytime.
      • The last button on the top right corner is an “X.” This is the exit button. When you select it, the game will ask you if you’re sure you want to exit the game. If you press check, it goes back to the opening screen. If you press the X, you game will resume.
        • To pause the game, simply press the X button on the top right corner of the screen. This will also stop the timer.
  • Playing with a Friend
    • When you select the versus mode with a friend, you basically take turns dropping colored discs into the grid. For your convenience, your friend must ideally be present with you to play the game.
    • Before you start the game, decide who gets the color green or orange. Once you start, the computer randomly selects which color plays first.
    • Have fun beating each other. Whoever gets to form at least 4 discs of the same color in any direction along the grid wins.
• Connect 4 Strategy: How to Win at Connect Four
  • The goal is to form at least 4 straight discs of the same color whether vertically, horizontally, or diagonally along the suspended grid to win. While this seems a simple, it’s easier said than done.
  • The computer AI playing this game thoroughly anticipates your moves. Compared to other similar connection board strategy games, it’s harder to beat this AI. It may take you several games before you can outsmart the computer.
    • While you are busy trying to form a pattern that can give you four discs, you must observe your opponent’s moves closely. Block moves that will help make them form diagonal, horizontal, or vertical disc patterns.
    • Pay attention to the bottom rows and your opponent’s diagonal patterns. Diagonal patterns can be completed by adding a disc at the bottom. This can be a tricky move to spot, so watch out for it.
    • There are instances where players can make more than 4 straight discs of the same color. When this happens, the player also wins.
  • Key tips to win
    • Keep your options open.
      • If you go first, laying your piece in the center square gives you the most ways to win (left, right, up, and diagonal in both directions).
      • If you play in a corner it does the opposite of the above, effectively cutting off half of your options.
    • Strategically block
      • Visualize which options a competitor may have in advance.
      • Try to block competitors in a way that helps you build your own rows while you are not accidentally enabling them to make new connections & you are not setting them up to block key positions for you on the board.
    • Force your opponent to move in ways that hurt them.
      • If you can make them waste a turn you can find other opportunities while they are focused on the obvious.
    • Form a square
      • If a player has a 2 by 2 square it creates many vertical, horizontal, and diagonal opportunities.
    • Own a column
      • The idea of “owning a column” is not getting 4 pieces in a row vertically (that rarely happens as it is so obvious) but rather make it so if a competitor lays a piece in a column they set you up to win.
      • The board is 6 rows high by 7 columns wide, for a total of 42 spaces. Players can only drop pieces down 1 of the 7 columns at any time.
      • If you can own a column you can cut the size of a playing field down to only being able to a portion of the squares.
      • You own a column by having 3 pieces in a row on the same plane where if they drop a piece in the empty column it enables you to make 4 in a row.
    • Set up 2 winning spaces in a row
      • If you have the board set up where you win from either of 2 consecutive places on a column then you can’t lose as the other player can only block one of the two options.
      • This works when setting up diagonals in opposite directions or a diagonal in one direction and a row in the other direction.
  • For the full game experience, play this classic connection board game with a friend. More intense competitive puzzle games may take longer. Enjoy trying to outsmart each other while timing your game.

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Plays.org published this 2 Player Board Games on June 3, 2021 / 3 Comments