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.
- 2 players
- 3–10 min
- ages 5+
- works without a TV
- vs. computer
Get four of your discs in a row – horizontally, vertically or diagonally.
How it works
- Take turns dropping a disc into a column. It falls all the way down.
- The first to get four in a row wins.
- If the board fills up without a four, it's a draw.
Good to know
- The middle column is the most valuable.
- Watch which square your opponent needs next.
On the TV and on your phone
What you see and tap, where and when – step by step:
- Choose the game
- Invite your opponent
- Get ready
- Drop a disc
What makes Four in a Row work
- Explained in ten seconds, kids included.
- A game takes a few minutes, and the rematch is right there.
- Play the computer or each other, no TV needed.
Pick Four in a Row when two people want a clear-cut duel for a few minutes.
Skip it when more than two want to play at the same time.
Frequently asked questions
Who goes first in Four in a Row?
Gather draws who drops the first disc. Going first is a small advantage, because you can claim the middle column first.
How big is the Four in a Row board?
Seven columns and six rows, so 42 spaces. If the board fills up without anyone getting four in a row, the game is a draw.
Do diagonal lines count in Four in a Row?
Yes, four discs count horizontally, vertically and along both diagonals.
How good is the computer at Four in a Row?
Pretty strong: it looks up to nine moves ahead and rarely misses a direct threat. To beat it, you need to set up two threats at once.
Can I take back a disc?
No, once a disc is dropped it stays. You can resign from your phone at any time, though.
What happens if my opponent leaves a game of Four in a Row?
Then you win the game. If they only lose the connection briefly, Gather keeps their seat for three minutes before the game is decided in your favour.
Variants and house rules
Gather plays by the rules above. Anything you can set in the app is marked – the rest are agreements you make at the table.
Against the computer setting in Gather
On your own you play the computer and can try out openings without anyone watching. Choose the computer opponent when you start.
Best of five table agreement
A single game is over quickly – play until someone has three wins. Draws don’t count. Keep the score yourselves; Gather starts each rematch fresh.
Mini tournament table agreement
With four or more people, everyone plays everyone once: two points for a win, one for a draw. Since a game only takes minutes, it fits nicely into an evening. Keep the table at the table.
Good for
Four in a Row compared
- Four in a Row or Chess?2 players, pure skill, silent
- Four in a Row or Stack Rush?2–6 players, skill and luck, calm
- Four in a Row or Corner Chaos?1–6 players, mostly skill, very loud
- Four in a Row or Crazy Mau?2–8 players, lots of luck, lively
- Four in a Row or Village at Night?5–12 players, mostly skill, loud
- Four in a Row or Say It Different?4–12 players, mostly skill, very loud
- Four in a Row or Nine Men’s Morris?2 players, pure skill, silent
- Four in a Row or Checkers?2 players, pure skill, silent
- Four in a Row or Rummy?2–6 players, skill and luck, calm
- Four in a Row or Sketch Round?3–10 players, mostly skill, loud
- Four in a Row or Letter Hunt?2–10 players, mostly skill, lively
- Four in a Row or Quiz Night?1–10 players, mostly skill, loud
- Four in a Row or Sea Battle?2 players, skill and luck, calm
- Four in a Row or Five Dice?1–6 players, lots of luck, lively
- Four in a Row or Cover Word?4–12 players, mostly skill, loud
- Four in a Row or Fib Finder?3–10 players, mostly skill, loud
- Four in a Row or Little Max?2–8 players, skill and luck, loud
- Four in a Row or Thirty-One?2–9 players, skill and luck, lively
Similar games
Chess
2 players10–40 minworks without a TVCheckmate the opposing king.
Nine Men’s Morris
2 players10–20 minworks without a TVTake your opponent's pieces until they have only two left – or can't move anymore.
Checkers
2 players10–25 minworks without a TVCapture all your opponent's pieces or leave them without a move.
Sea Battle
2 players10–20 minworks without a TVBe the first to sink all of your opponent's ships.
Five Dice
1–6 players10–30 minworks without a TVScore the most points on your sheet after 13 turns.
Little Max
2–8 players10–20 minworks without a TVKeep your lives the longest – through clever bluffing and healthy suspicion.