You can make any size board you want – from 6x6 to 10x10. Even uneven boards, like a 4x6, will work out fine. While shorter games can be played on 3x3 grids, they must generally be at least 4x4 provide a worthwhile game. [2] X Research source
Note that this difference is slight, especially if you don’t care about the precise mathematical strategies. There is no real advantage to going either first or second. [3] X Research source
For strategy purposes, most computer programs use two colors for the teams, usually red and blue. The rest of the article will use Red and Blue as the hypothetical players.
A “chain” is a line of boxes that one player can take in one turn, and is the central strategy element in boxes. Whoever gets the longest and/or most chains usually wins. You must take your extra turn – you cannot skip it. [4] X Research source
Check out this free, educational version provided by UCLA’s math department which lets you battle a computer player.
In serious games, this is called a “double-cross. " Double-crosses are the heart of serious dots strategy. Once you make a double-cross, you gain control of the board. Your opponents only moves are to open up a new chain for you or take the two boxes you’ve given them. [5] X Research source
If there have an odd number of total dots (5x5 board, 9x9, etc. ) then the first player wins if there is an odd number of chains. The second player wins if there are an even number. If there are an even number of dots (4x4 board, 6x6, etc. ) then the first player wins if there is an even number of chains. The second player wins if there are an odd number of chains. [6] X Research source Note: A set of just two boxes is not considered a chain in this strategy.
Red should try to split the board into three parts by creating a “hallway” of boxes down the center of the board, either horizontally or vertically. This then creates a middle chain and two chains on either side – three total – for a Red win. Blue should try to cut the board in half, with 1 chain on each side. This allows an even number of chains – two – and a Blue win. [7] X Research source web. archive. org/web/20070825035216/cf. geocities. com/ilanpi/dots. html
Remember this only works if there is another option available that doesn’t give up a chain – a two-sided box you can safely draw a line in after cutting the chain up. If you must respond to this scenario as Red, you have two options – take the chain or leave the boxes for Blue later. If the game is early on, sacrifice the boxes. If you’re near the end and it’s close, take them and keep moving. [8] X Research source web. archive. org/web/20070825035216/cf. geocities. com/ilanpi/dots. html
