Paper strategy
Dots and Boxes
Join neighboring dots with one line at a time. Complete a box to claim it and take another turn.
An adult can record marks or use the on-screen board.
Download the host card PDFBring to the table
- Paper and pencils, or the on-screen practice board
Set up
- Draw three rows of three dots, evenly spaced. This creates four possible boxes. Choose a different initial or symbol for each player.
- Agree who takes the first turn. Lines may connect only immediately neighboring dots horizontally or vertically, never diagonally.
How to play
- On your turn, draw one missing line between neighboring dots. If it completes no box, the turn passes to the other player.
- If your line completes one or two boxes, place your symbol inside each completed box and take another turn. Repeat while you keep completing boxes.
- When all boxes are claimed, count the boxes belonging to each player. More boxes wins; equal counts are a draw.
Two boxes from one line
Two neighboring boxes can share their last missing side. Drawing that shared line completes both boxes, so the player claims both and keeps the turn. Each box counts once even though one line completed two.
Try a practice board
This board is shared by two players on this device. X starts each fresh board; swap which person plays X to alternate the first turn.
Your three-part session
Preview all the prompts here. The host controls the pace and can repeat, skip or shorten a part to suit the group.
1. Four boxes
Play on a three-by-three dot grid. Say whether each line completes a box before passing the turn.
2. Swap the start
Use a fresh grid and let the other player begin. Watch for a line that gives the opponent an easy box.
3. Explain the extra turn
At the first completed box, pause and explain why the same player goes again. Finish and compare the four claimed boxes.
Host one part at a time
Use this on the host’s screen. It keeps the current instruction visible while your group plays.
Four boxes
Play on a three-by-three dot grid. Say whether each line completes a box before passing the turn.
Swap the start
Use a fresh grid and let the other player begin. Watch for a line that gives the opponent an easy box.
Explain the extra turn
At the first completed box, pause and explain why the same player goes again. Finish and compare the four claimed boxes.
Ready when your group is.
Offer more support
Use the four-box grid and let the adult mark completed boxes immediately. Point out legal neighboring dots before each turn.
Add a challenge
Draw four rows of four dots for nine boxes. Look for a chain of boxes that one player could claim in consecutive turns.
If something goes wrong
Do not count a three-sided box. If a line completes two boxes, award both immediately; if the board is full, the game ends even though the last player would otherwise keep the turn.
Finish together
Count all boxes: the two scores must add to four on the small board. Discuss where a long chain became available.