Dots and Boxes
Dots and Boxes is a 10-minute pencil-and-paper classic for 2. Join dots with lines and claim more squares than your opponent. Free in your browser, no sign-up.
Play over time
Dots and Boxes in 30 seconds
- Set upStart from a grid of dots. The first player moves first.
- Take turnsOn your turn, draw one line that has not been drawn yet.
- ClaimDrawing the fourth side of a square claims it, and you immediately draw again.
- WinWhen every square is claimed, the player with more squares wins; equal scores are a draw.
At a glance
| Item | This game |
|---|---|
| Players | 2 players |
| Play time | About 10 min |
| Type | Board |
| Ranked play | No |
| Practice against the CPU | Yes |
| Price | Free (no account needed) |
| Rights holder | A public-domain classic game |
| Last updated | 2026-09-21 |
How to play Dots and Boxes online with friends
- Tap "Play with friends"A party is created with a 6-character code. No account is needed.
- Send a link or QR codeShare it on LINE, or just read the code aloud.
- Everyone opens it in a browserOnce 2 players have joined, the host taps "Start".
Rule highlights
Setup, play, winning, and house rules
Setup
- 2 players. On your own, play against the computer.
- The default board is 5 squares wide and 4 high, with 6×5 dots. You can also choose 3, 4 or 5 squares per side.
How to play
- On your turn, draw one undrawn line between two neighbouring dots. Diagonals are not allowed.
- Tap the line you want (between two dots) once to draw it.
- Drawing the fourth side of a square claims it, and your icon appears in the middle of the square.
- If one line completes two squares at once, you claim both.
Winning
- A player who claims a square draws another line straight away. The turn passes only when no square is claimed.
- The game ends once every square is claimed. The player with more squares wins.
- Equal scores are a draw. A player may also resign.
House rules
| Name | Description | Default | Changeable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Board size | The default is 5 squares wide and 4 high (6×5 dots). You can also choose 3, 4 or 5 squares per side. | 5 wide × 4 high | Can be changed |
| Swap first player on rematch | Play again switches who moves first. | On | Can be changed |
Recommendations
Play this game once to write one.
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FAQ
How many can play?
2 players. On your own, play against the computer.
Can I change the board size?
Yes. The default is 5 squares wide and 4 high. You can also choose 3, 4 or 5 squares per side.
Where did the artwork come from?
The dots-and-lines board was drawn for this site. Claimed squares show the seat's own icon.
Can I play on a phone?
Yes. No app is needed — just open it in a browser. You can join the same party as people on a PC or tablet.
Can two people play?
Yes. This game supports 2 or more players.
Can we play without being online at the same time?
Yes. Choose “Turn-based (told each turn)” and you can make one move whenever you like. We tell you when it is your turn. A table ends automatically, with no winner or loser, after 45 days without a move.
Rights holder and physical edition
This is a public-domain classic game. The rules follow the standard reference rules.
Related games
Same type (Board)
Same player count
Last updated 2026-09-21 · Run by Qdan, Inc.