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Tic tac toe vs four in a row vs dots and boxes: which two-player game

Tic tac toe is the shortest and always a draw with perfect play. Four in a row adds gravity and a bigger board, and the first player can force a win. Dots and boxes is the deepest of the three: boxes change hands late, and the end game of chains decides the winner.

Side by side

Tic tac toe vs four in a row vs dots and boxes: which two-player game
Compared	Tic tac toe	Four in a row	Dots and boxes
Board	3 by 3 squares	7 columns, 6 rows	A grid of dots, for example 5 by 5
A game takes	1 to 2 minutes	5 to 10 minutes	5 to 15 minutes
With perfect play	Always a draw	The first player wins	Depends on the grid; the long chain rule decides
Strategy depth	Low: learn it in an evening	Medium: threats and traps	High: chains and the double-cross
Pen and paper version	Yes	No, needs a board	Yes
Ways to play in the app	Vs computer, Same phone, Own phones, by code	Vs computer, Same phone, Own phones, by code	Vs computer, Same phone, Own phones, by code
Strategy guide	How to win	How to win	How to win

Which one to pick

Pick tic tac toe if

you have a minute and want a quick rematch loop, or you are teaching a young player.

Pick four in a row if

you want planning and traps without a long game.

Pick dots and boxes if

you want a duel that rewards real strategy and has a twist at the end.

Questions people ask

Which is harder, four in a row or dots and boxes?

Dots and boxes. Four in a row rewards spotting threats; dots and boxes adds counting chains and giving boxes away on purpose.

Is tic tac toe solved?

Yes. With perfect play by both players, every game of tic tac toe is a draw.

Updated November 4, 2026 by the team.