Four in a Row for Three: Rules and How to Play
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.
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 and scoring
- 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.
Defaults on this site
| Item | Default on this site |
|---|---|
| Players | 3 players (set automatically by the party size) |
| Turn time limit | None by default (the host can set 30 or 60 seconds) |
| If someone drops mid-game | Reopening on the same device returns you to your seat. If you do not return, the CPU plays in your place. |
| Draws | In ranked play, a draw counts as halfway between a win and a loss for your rating. |
| Source of the rules | Based on the standard reference rules |
Rules supervised by Qdan, Inc. (based on the standard reference rules)
House rules
Defaults follow the standard reference rules. The party can change these.
| Name | Description | Default | Changeable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alternate first move | Rotate the Red ○ seat after each game. | On | Can be changed |
Terms
- Column
- One of the nine vertical lines you drop discs into.
- Row
- A horizontal line of the grid. Discs stack from the bottom through nine rows.
FAQ
Who goes first?
The first starting seat is drawn at random. You can choose seat order before starting. By default, the starting seat rotates when you play again.
Does the order change during a game?
No. Red ○ → Yellow × → Blue ☆ stays fixed. By default, the Red ○ seat rotates when you play again.
Do players choose columns at the same time?
This game uses open, sequential turns. Tap a column on your turn and the disc drops immediately.
What if five line up?
Four or more consecutive discs wins.
Play now with these rules
Last updated 2026-10-30 · Run by Qdan, Inc.