How To Play - Boxes - Game Rules

A tactical game of area control where players take turns drawing lines to form and claim the most completed squares on the board.

Complexivity

   Simple

Time
10 min

Game Instructions

Close as many squares (boxes) as possible by drawing lines on the grid. The player with the most completed squares at the end wins.

Gameplay

  • Players take turns drawing one horizontal or vertical line on the grid.

  • Lines must be placed along the white grid lines but do not need to connect to existing lines.

  • If a player completes a square (by drawing the fourth side), they:

  • Mark the square with their symbol (X or O), even if the first three sides were drawn by their opponent.

  • Take another turn immediately.

  • Turns continue until no more lines can be drawn.

  • The player with the most completed squares at the end wins.

Game Variants

  • Standard Play: Players take another turn after completing a square.

  • Slower Play: Players do not take another turn after completing a square.

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