Giant Connect Four Rules
- Players
- 2 (or 2 teams)
- Ages
- 4+
- Setup time
- 2 to 5 min
- Space
- A few square feet on flat ground
What you need
- A giant four in a row set: the standing grid frame plus two colors of large discs (usually 21 of each)
- A flat, level surface so the frame stands straight and discs drop cleanly
- Two players or two teams
- Optional: a few minutes to assemble the frame the first time you set it up
Set it up
None. Giant four in a row has no throwing or setup distance to measure. You just need a flat, level spot for the frame to stand and a few feet of clearance so two players can reach the columns comfortably.
Scoring
- There is no point counting in giant four in a row. The first player to connect four of their color in a row wins the round outright.
- A winning line can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal.
- For a match, agree first to two or three round wins and alternate the starting player. A draw does not count as a win for either side.
- If the grid fills without four in a row, record a draw, reset and play again toward the agreed wins target.
How to play
- Set up the grid. Assemble and stand the grid upright on flat ground. The classic layout is 7 columns across and 6 rows tall. Make sure it is level and stable so discs slide down and settle without jamming. Split the discs so each player has one color.
- Choose colors and who goes first. Each player takes one color of discs. Decide who drops first however you like. Players alternate turns from there, one disc per turn.
- Take turns dropping discs. On your turn, drop one of your discs into the top of any column that is not already full. It falls and stacks on top of whatever is already in that column. Then it is your opponent's turn.
- Build toward four in a row. Try to line up four of your color in a row while blocking your opponent from doing the same. A winning line can run horizontal, vertical, or diagonal.
- Win the round. The first player to connect four of their color in an unbroken line, in any direction, wins the round immediately.
- Empty and reset. Pull the release lever (or slide bar) at the bottom of the frame to drop all the discs out at once, then sort by color and play again.