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.
Players take turns drawing one line between two neighbouring dots, either across or down. Nothing else is allowed: you cannot draw a diagonal or skip a turn. When a line completes the fourth side of a box, you claim that box and must draw another line straight away.
How a game ends
When all 60 lines are drawn, every box has an owner and the game is over. The player who claimed more of the 25 boxes wins. Read how big the board is and why you move again after a box for the details.
Early moves feel harmless, and the real contest starts when every remaining line gives something away. The Dots and Boxes strategy guide explains how to come out ahead of that moment.