Four in a Row or Checkers?
Both games come with Gather. Here’s how they differ and when each one fits better.
The key differences
- Four in a Row is quicker to learn than Checkers (explained in a minute vs. clear after one round).
- Four in a Row is over sooner: usually 3–10 minutes, while Checkers takes 10–25 minutes.
- Four in a Row is louder than Checkers (calm vs. silent).
At a glance
| At a glance | Four in a Row | Checkers |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Board and dice games | Board and dice games |
| Players | 2 players | 2 players |
| Length of a game | 3–10 min | 10–25 min |
| Age | ages 5+ | ages 6+ |
| Luck or skill | pure skill | pure skill |
| Noise level | calm | silent |
| Learning curve | explained in a minute | clear after one round |
| Interaction | you react to each other | you react to each other |
| TV | not needed | not needed |
| Against the computer | yes | yes |
| Teams | no | no |
| Bluffing | no | no |
| Reading needed | no | no |
Which one suits you?
Four in a Row
Discs drop into columns, and the first to line up four wins. Any kid gets the rules, yet every game is a small duel of thinking one move ahead.
Pick Four in a Row when two people want a clear-cut duel for a few minutes.
Checkers
Pieces move diagonally, captures are made by jumping, and capturing is compulsory. That rule is what makes it sneaky: use it well and you can lure your opponent into traps.
Pick Checkers when two people want a board duel with more traps than Nine Men’s Morris.
What they have in common
- Both only work with exactly 2 players.
- Both are Board and dice games.
- Both also work without a TV, right on iPhone, iPad or Mac.
- You can play both against the computer.
- Both work from age 6.
- Both come free with Gather and need no account.