The board and the lines
The board is a grid of 6 by 6 dots, which frames 25 boxes in a 5 by 5 grid. There are 60 lines to draw in total, 30 across and 30 down (how big the board is). Coral plays first and Blue second, and the lines are named by the two dots they join, such as A1–B1.
Taking turns
On your turn you draw one line between two neighbouring dots, across or down. You cannot draw on a line that is already there, draw diagonally, or pass (how to play Dots and Boxes).
Claiming boxes
When you draw the fourth side of a box, you claim it and your colour fills the box. You must then draw another line, and you keep going for as long as each line closes a box (another turn after a box). One line can close two boxes at once if both already have three sides (one line, two boxes).
Chains and loops
A row of boxes that each have two sides drawn is a chain, and opening it lets your opponent take every box in it. A closed ring of these is a loop (what a chain is). Most of the skill in the game is in deciding who has to open the first one.
How the game ends
The game ends when all 60 lines are drawn. The player who claimed more of the 25 boxes wins. Because 25 is odd, the game cannot be drawn.
Putting the rules to work
The rules take a minute to learn. To get better, read the Dots and Boxes strategy guide, or play Dots and Boxes free with a friend or the computer. No sign-up.
Dots and Boxes rules questions
How do you play Dots and Boxes?
Take turns drawing one line between two neighbouring dots. Draw the fourth side of a box to claim it and move again. The most boxes wins.
Read the full answer →Do you get another turn after completing a box?
Yes. Whoever draws the fourth side of a box claims it and must move again, and keeps going for as long as each line closes a box.
Read the full answer →How big is the Dots and Boxes board?
The board is a grid of 6 by 6 dots. That makes 5 by 5 boxes, so 25 boxes in all, and 60 lines to draw before the game is over.
Read the full answer →Can Dots and Boxes end in a draw?
No, not on this board. A 5 by 5 grid has 25 boxes, an odd number, so one player always claims more boxes than the other.
Read the full answer →What is a chain in Dots and Boxes?
A chain is a row of boxes that each have two sides drawn, joined end to end. Open one and your opponent can claim every box in it.
Read the full answer →Can one line close two boxes in Dots and Boxes?
Yes. A line between two boxes is the side of both. If each already has three sides, drawing it claims both and you still move again.
Read the full answer →Play Dots and Boxes free →Invite a friend or practice with the computer. No sign-up.