Is Dots and Boxes free here?

Yes. You play right in your browser with no sign-up and no download, and there is nothing to buy.

Can two players play Dots and Boxes on one phone?

Yes. In “Two players, one device” mode you take turns tapping on the same phone or tablet. The game runs in the browser on phones, tablets and computers.

How big is the board?

You choose between 3 × 3, 4 × 4, 5 × 5 and 6 × 6 boxes. 5 × 5 is usual; small boards are quick, big ones need more planning.

Yes. A game in progress survives reloading the page. Without an account it stays in this browser; with a PanicLines account it is kept in your account along with your run, so you can carry on on any device.

Dots and Boxes Online – vs the AI or Two Players

Play Dots and Boxes online for free

Dots and Boxes is the classic pencil and paper game many of us played at school: two players take turns drawing lines between neighbouring dots. Whoever draws the fourth side of a box claims it and moves again right away.

On PanicLines you play for free in your browser on phone, tablet and computer, with no download and no sign-up. Take on the AI at three levels or play with a friend on one device, on boards from 3 × 3 to 6 × 6 boxes; most games take three to ten minutes.

Rules

The game is played on a grid of dots. On your turn you draw one line across or down between two neighbouring dots. Red starts.
Whoever draws the fourth side of a box claims it: it is filled in their colour and marked with their letter. Then they must move again.
A single line can close two boxes at once. Once every box is claimed, the player with more boxes wins; on 4 × 4 and 6 × 6 a draw is possible too.

Modes and AI levels

Against the AI at three levels: Easy grabs every box it can, Medium gives nothing away as long as it can, Hard knows chains and loops and calculates the endgame exactly.
You choose the board size (3 × 3 to 6 × 6 boxes) and your colour: Red starts, Blue moves second, or you alternate from game to game.
Two players, one device: take turns tapping, each with your own colour and letter, and your run of wins and draws is counted.

Controls

Tap between two dots to draw the line there. The tap area is large, you don't have to hit the line exactly.
On a computer the mouse previews the line in your colour. Tab and Enter work without a mouse; “Reduce motion” turns the animations off.
The last line drawn is marked in the colour of the player who drew it, and the scores are always shown at the top.

Tips and strategy

No third sides: a box with three lines is closed by your opponent at once. Only draw such lines when there is nothing else left.
Chains: near the end the open boxes form chains where every line gives boxes away. Open the shortest chain first.
Keep control: take every box of a long chain except the last two and leave those with a line at the end. Your opponent takes them but then has to open the next chain for you.
Split a pair in the middle: if you have to give away a chain of two boxes, draw the line between them. Then your opponent cannot hand them back.
Count the long chains: who ends up in control depends on how many long chains appear. Experienced players plan for that in the middle of the game.

Frequently asked questions

Is Dots and Boxes free here?: Yes. You play right in your browser with no sign-up and no download, and there is nothing to buy.
Can two players play Dots and Boxes on one phone?: Yes. In “Two players, one device” mode you take turns tapping on the same phone or tablet. The game runs in the browser on phones, tablets and computers.
How big is the board?: You choose between 3 × 3, 4 × 4, 5 × 5 and 6 × 6 boxes. 5 × 5 is usual; small boards are quick, big ones need more planning.
Is my game saved?: Yes. A game in progress survives reloading the page. Without an account it stays in this browser; with a PanicLines account it is kept in your account along with your run, so you can carry on on any device.