Who goes first in Four in a Row?

Coral always drops the first disc and Blue replies, then turns alternate. Going first is a real advantage: with perfect play, the first player can force a win.

The two sides are Coral and Blue. Coral moves first, Blue second, and then the players take turns, one disc each, until someone connects four or the board fills up. Nobody can skip a turn.

Why it matters

Four in a Row has been solved: a perfect first player who opens in the centre column can always win. See is Four in a Row a solved game.

The first player also tends to control threats on odd-numbered rows, and the second player on even rows. The Four in a Row strategy guide explains how to use that from either side.

For practical play beyond this rule, read How to Win at Four in a Row.

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More Four in a Row rules questions

• Do diagonal lines count in Four in a Row?
• Does five in a row win in Four in a Row?
• What happens if the Four in a Row board fills up?
• Is Four in a Row a solved game?
• Is Four in a Row the same as Connect Four?