THE PLAYBOOK · HRZBANJIA
The essentials of playing Dots and Boxes
Bring your attention to one round of Dots and Boxes. Claim the most boxes when all nine boxes are complete. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Make your first input carefully and watch the result. Look at what changes after your first action.
Bring this focus to a round
Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart. Make the next step deliberately.
Understand the aim
Claim the most boxes when all nine boxes are complete. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Start with a deliberate move.
The playing sequence
- Select an unfilled edge between adjacent dots.
- Take turns while no box is completed.
- Completing one or two boxes in a move earns another turn.
- Once the board is full, compare the box totals.
Input guidance
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Read a button’s label before selecting it. Make sure you are interacting with the game rather than the surrounding page.
Learn from a sample situation
An edge shared by two nearly complete boxes can capture both boxes in one move. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Notice the change in the playing area.
Notice this detail
Closing a box does not end your turn; you must draw again. Compare the situation with the worked example. Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board.
Answers about the rules and controls
On this playing page, what is the goal of Dots and Boxes?
Claim the most boxes when all nine boxes are complete.
When I return, how do I control Dots and Boxes?
Here is the relevant explanation: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
While reading the Guide, what example helps explain Dots and Boxes?
For clarity: An edge shared by two nearly complete boxes can capture both boxes in one move.
On this playing page, what should I watch out for in Dots and Boxes?
Closing a box does not end your turn; you must draw again.
For my first round, what format does Dots and Boxes offer?
Play using the same-device two players mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
When I return, which play mode does Dots and Boxes use?
Here is the relevant explanation: The mode on this page is Same-device two players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
