Four in a Row

You Know That Game Everyone Played as a Kid? It's Back and Better

There's something weirdly satisfying about dropping colored discs down a grid, right? Four in a Row takes that classic connection game we all grew up with and throws it into your browser with a multiplayer twist that honestly makes it feel brand new. No downloads, no waiting around—just open a tab and you're playing against real people within seconds. It's one of those browser games that proves you don't need fancy graphics or complicated mechanics to have a good time.

The whole instant play thing isn't just marketing speak here. I mean it literally takes longer to read this paragraph than it does to start a match. That's the beauty of modern HTML5 games—they just work, whether you're killing time on your phone during lunch or sneaking in a quick match at your desk.

How It Actually Works

If you've somehow avoided this game your entire life, here's the deal: you're trying to line up four of your colored discs before anyone else does. Horizontal, vertical, diagonal—doesn't matter, just get four in a row. The controls couldn't be simpler. On desktop, you're just clicking columns to drop your disc. On mobile or tablet, tap where you want it to go. That's it. Seriously easy to play, works great on basically any device.

But here's where things get interesting. Unlike the plastic version sitting in someone's closet, you're often facing multiple opponents at the same time, all competing on the same board. Suddenly you're not just trying to build your line—you're blocking Sarah, countering Mike's strategy, and keeping an eye on that third player who's been suspiciously quiet. It transforms what could be a predictable puzzle into this chaotic, fast-moving challenge that keeps you on your toes. The web game format means matches are quick, the action's smooth, and you can play now without any of that annoying lag.

What Makes This Version Worth Your Time

Look, there are probably a hundred versions of this game floating around the internet. So why should you care about this one? Honestly, it comes down to convenience and that multiplayer chaos I mentioned. Let me break it down:

• The Multiplayer Actually Changes Everything: Playing against two or three people simultaneously isn't just "harder"—it's a completely different game. Your carefully planned strategy goes out the window when someone drops a disc in the exact column you needed. It's frustrating and hilarious and keeps every match unpredictable.
• Zero Friction to Start: I've timed it. From clicking the link to being in an active game takes about 10 seconds. There's no account creation, no email verification, no tutorial you can't skip. It's no registration, no sign up, and definitely no installation. Just pure, immediate gaming.
• Works Basically Everywhere: Since it runs entirely in your browser, you can often access it on networks where other games are blocked. Yeah, it's one of those unblocked games that might just save you from terminal boredom during a slow afternoon. You can play at school, at work (not that I'm encouraging that), or anywhere else with internet. Super accessible anywhere.
• Totally Free, No Catches: No premium currency, no pay-to-win nonsense, no ads every thirty seconds. You can play free as much as you want. It's refreshing, honestly.
• Device Doesn't Matter: Whether you're on a PC running Windows, an Android phone, or an iOS tablet, the experience is basically identical. That cross-platform compatibility means you can challenge your friend even if they're Team iPhone and you're Team Android.

Actually Winning: Strategy That Works

Alright, so you want to stop losing to random strangers on the internet? Fair. Here's what actually works once you've played a few rounds.

Center control is your friend. Those middle columns give you way more options for creating winning lines. You can branch out in any direction from there, while edge columns limit your possibilities. It's basic geometry, but people forget this constantly.

Defense matters more than you think, especially with multiple opponents. I've lost count of how many games I've thrown away because I was so focused on my own line that I didn't notice someone else was one move from winning. After each turn, do a quick scan. Is anyone sitting on three in a row? Block them. Your own victory means nothing if someone else wins first.

The real power move? Creating double threats. Try to set up two different three-in-a-row situations at once. Your opponent can only block one column per turn, which means you're guaranteed a win on your next move. It takes some planning, but when you pull it off, it feels great. This tactic gets even more effective in multiplayer matches where everyone's scrambling to manage multiple threats.

Just Give It a Shot Already

That's pretty much it. Four in a Row takes a game you probably haven't thought about in years and makes it relevant again with smooth online play and that multiplayer twist. It's perfect for those five-minute breaks when you need to do something with your hands besides scroll through social media. Fast loading, genuinely addictive once you get into it, and available right now.

Ready to see if you've still got the skills? Play online and prove it. And hey, if you're digging the casual game vibe, you might want to check out Idle Magic Academy Tycoon for something completely different, or No Shorts for another quick-play option. We've got a whole collection of Casual games if you want to explore more.