Dots and Boxes
The pen-and-paper classic on a notebook page: join dots, claim boxes and fight over chains. Face seven pen pals that learn to sacrifice, unlock bigger boards, and clear a daily pre-drawn board.
Dots and Boxes is the pen-and-paper classic redrawn on a notebook page. Players take turns joining two neighbouring dots with a line. Whoever draws the fourth side of a box claims it with their ink and goes again, and when every line is drawn the player with more boxes wins. It looks gentle, but every line you draw changes who will be forced to give boxes away later.
Seven pen pals make up the ladder. Doodle scribbles anywhere and Pencil grabs every free box. Eraser avoids handing out a third side and gives away as little as it can when forced. Ruler, Compass, Protractor and Professor count safe moves ahead and solve the endgame exactly, including the classic sacrifice of the last two boxes of a chain to keep control. Board sizes unlock as you win: 3x3 from the start, 4x4 after your first win, 5x5 after four wins and 6x6 after eight. A daily board starts from a pre-drawn position that can be won, with stars for the margin. Collect XP and coins, use hints and undo, and unlock five pen and paper styles.
It is a good fit for puzzle fans, families and two players sharing a screen. Tip: avoid drawing the third side of any box, and aim to make a few long chains so your rival is the one who must open them.
How to play
Take turns drawing a line between two neighbouring dots. Draw the fourth side of a box to claim it and take another turn. Try not to draw the third side of a box, because that lets your rival claim it. When all lines are drawn, the player with the most boxes wins. Win matches to unlock stronger opponents and bigger boards, and clear the daily board for stars.
Controls
- Mouse / tap: Click a line to draw it (touch: tap once to preview, tap again to draw)
- Arrow keys + Enter / Space: Move the cursor between lines and draw
- U / Backspace: Undo your last move
- H: Hint (costs 15 coins)
- P / Esc: Pause
- M: Mute
Category: Board games
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