How to Play Dots and Boxes: Rules, Setup, and Winning Strategies

Grab a pen and a piece of paper—it's game time! Dots and Boxes is a fast, fun, and strategic paper-and-pencil game where players take turns connecting dots to form boxes. The player with the most boxes at the end wins. It's quick to learn, endlessly replayable, and works just as well for kids as it does for adults.

In this guide, we'll walk you through how to set up Dots and Boxes, the official rules, strategies to help you win, and some fun variations to try. Plus, you can grab our free printable Dots and Boxes grids so you can start playing right away.

Play Dots and Boxes online

One of the best ways to learn is to just start playing. Give it a go as a two player game or vs the CPU.

Scoring (Optional)

• Standard: 1 point per box.
• Tournament: Play multiple games; highest total points wins.
• Tie-Breaker: In case of a tie, play a smaller "speed round" to decide the winner.

Variations to Try

• Custom Grid Sizes – Try bigger grids for longer games or smaller ones for quick rounds.
• Different Shapes – Experiment with triangular or hexagonal dot patterns for a twist.
• Team Play – Pair up for 2v2 games on larger grids.

Tips for Winning

• Force Chains – Set up situations where your opponent must give you a long chain of boxes.
• Control the Endgame – Aim to be the one who starts claiming boxes when most of the grid is filled.
• Avoid Early Third Sides – Don't give your opponent easy points early on.
• Think Two Moves Ahead – Anticipate how each line will affect future turns.
• Keep Scanning the Board – Sometimes there's one last "safe" line no one has spotted. Finding it can completely change the game. Growing up, my dad used to pull off this sneaky move—he'd quietly find that single safe line and flip a long run in his favor. Now my kids do it to me! That's the beauty of Dots and Boxes: a single smart move can change everything.

Ready to Play?

Grab your free printable Dots and Boxes grids and start connecting the dots! Whether you're playing with kids, friends, or adults, this game delivers quick fun with a strategic edge.

Download Printable Dots and Boxes Grids

FAQs

Rules FAQs

Do you have to take another turn after completing a box?
Yes. You keep taking turns as long as you complete at least one box each turn.

Can you draw diagonal lines in Dots and Boxes?
No. Lines must connect two dots horizontally or vertically.

What's the grid size for Dots and Boxes?
Any size works; common sizes are 5×5 or 6×6 dots for quick games, and 10×10+ for longer ones.

Ages FAQs

Is Dots and Boxes good for adults?
Yes. The game has enough depth to be competitive for adults while still being simple for kids.

What age is Dots and Boxes appropriate for?
Kids as young as 6 can play, and younger kids can join with some guidance.

Strategy FAQs

What's the trick to Dots and Boxes?
Control the board so you can start claiming chains at the end of the game.

Is Dots and Boxes a game of luck or skill?
Mostly skill, especially in larger grids, though first-turn advantage can matter.

How do you win Dots and Boxes every time?
Master chain control—force your opponent to open the first long chain, then take the rest.

History FAQs

Who invented Dots and Boxes?
It's based on the game "La Pipopipette," created by French mathematician Édouard Lucas in the late 19th century.

How old is Dots and Boxes?
Over 130 years old, originating in France in the 1880s.

What are some fun facts about Dots and Boxes?

• Originally a parlor game for adults.
• Popular worldwide as a travel and classroom game.
• There are computer algorithms that can play it perfectly on small grids.