Four in a Row for Three

Also known as Connect Four or Connect 4.
35BoardPlay vs CPUNo sign-up, free

Play Four in a Row for Three online free in your browser. Drop discs into a 9×9 grid and line up four to win. Play with friends or against two computers.

Play with friendsJust send the invite link. No sign-up for them either
Practice against the computerStart right away. Choose the strength
CPU strength
Find an opponent onlineComing soon (October)
Tutorial (3 min)Learn the rules as you play

What we record

Four in a Row for Three in 30 seconds

  1. Set upThree players use a nine-column, nine-row grid and play Red ○, Yellow × and Blue ☆. The first starting seat is drawn at random.
  2. Take turnsRed ○, Yellow ×, then Blue ☆ each drop one disc into a column.
  3. WinThe first to line up four of their discs horizontally, vertically or diagonally wins.
  4. DrawIf all 81 spaces fill without a line of four, the game is a draw.

At a glance

The numbers for this game. These match the actual game implementation.
ItemThis game
Players3 players
Play timeAbout 5 min
TypeBoard
Ranked playNo
Practice against the CPUYes
PriceFree (no account needed)
Rights holderA public-domain classic game
Last updated2026-10-30

How to play Four in a Row for Three online with friends

  1. Tap "Play with friends"A party is created with a 6-character code. No account is needed.
  2. Send a link or QR codeShare it on LINE, or just read the code aloud.
  3. Everyone opens it in a browserOnce 3 players have joined, the host taps "Start".

Rule highlights

Setup, play, winning, and house rules

Setup

  • For three players. Empty seats can be filled by the computer, so you can play alone too.
  • The upright grid has nine columns and nine rows. Players receive Red ○, Yellow × and Blue ☆; Red ○ starts. The first starting seat is drawn at random, or you can choose seat order before starting.

How to play

  • Take turns in the fixed order Red ○ → Yellow × → Blue ☆. Players do not choose columns simultaneously.
  • Tap a column on the grid or its numbered button. Your disc falls to the lowest empty space in that column.
  • A full column cannot take another disc. Discs stay where they land and are never captured.

Winning

  • The first player to line up four or more of their discs horizontally, vertically or diagonally wins.
  • If all 81 spaces fill without a line of four, the game is a draw.
  • By default, the starting seat rotates when you play again. The order stays fixed throughout each game.

House rules

Default is this site’s setting. Changeable shows whether the party can change it.
NameDescriptionDefaultChangeable
Alternate first moveRotate the Red ○ seat after each game.OnCan be changed

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FAQ

How many can play?

Three. On your own, play against two computers; with a friend, add one computer.

Is there a 2 player mode, and how do the rules differ?

This is the three-player version: two people can add one computer, or choose the separate two-player Four in a Row game. This version uses three colours on a nine-by-nine grid. Red ○, Yellow × and Blue ☆ take turns, so both opponents move before your next turn.

Is it free?

Yes. Play free in your browser with no sign-up.

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 I play against the computer (CPU)?

Yes. You can play against computer opponents without inviting anyone.

Can I play online with friends far away?

Yes. Start a party and send its invite link. Friends can join in their browsers without signing up.

Is there an app?

This is a free app that runs in your browser. No installation is needed.

Connect Four and Connect 4 are trademarks of Hasbro. This page is not affiliated with Hasbro.

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 2026-10-30 · Run by Qdan, Inc.