Dots and Boxes is a classic pencil-and-paper strategy game. The board is a grid of dots — here, 5×5 dots that form 4×4 boxes. Players take turns claiming one edge between two neighboring dots. When you draw the fourth side of a box, you score that square, your color fills it, and you get to move again. Keep chaining completed boxes when you can. When every edge is claimed, whoever owns more boxes wins. Ties are possible if both sides score eight.

Against the computer, you move first (green). The AI takes boxes when it can and tries not to leave you three-sided boxes — those are free gifts. Strategy tips: avoid being the player who opens a long chain of boxes late in the game; leave “safe” edges that do not create a third side; and when a chain must open, force your opponent into the long chain so you can sweep the rest. On mobile, tap near the edge you want — hit targets are generous.

Prefer a human opponent? Switch to 2 Players for pass-and-play Dots and Boxes on one device. Green and red take turns tapping edges; completing a box keeps that player’s turn. No accounts, downloads, or second screen needed.