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Games / Dots and Boxes

Dots and Boxes

A pen-and-paper classic for two players. Take turns drawing a line between two neighbouring dots. Draw the fourth side of a box and it's yours, plus you go again. When every box is claimed, whoever owns the most wins. Pick a board size, grab a seat, and let everyone else watch.

2 players, spectators welcome

Start a lobby

Board size

You'll sit as Pink. Share the lobby link so a friend can take Blue.

Turn off the public list to keep it link-only. Share the lobby link and friends can watch or chat.

Open Dots and Boxes lobbies

Jump into a lobby that's already running.

How to play

  1. Two players sit down. Everyone else can watch and chat.
  2. On your turn, click the gap between two neighbouring dots to draw a line.
  3. If your line completes the fourth side of a box, the box is yours and you take another turn.
  4. Careful: the third side of a box gives your opponent a chance to close it. Look for chains.
  5. When all the boxes are claimed, the player with the most wins. Every board has an odd number of boxes, so there are no ties.

Controls

Click or tap a gap between dots
Draw a line there
Arrow keys
Move to the previous or next open line
Enter or space
Draw the focused line