THE PLAYBOOK · XIQIGLASS
Find your footing in Dots and Boxes
Open Dots and Boxes, check the instructions and begin a round. Claim the most boxes when all nine boxes are complete. Look at what changes after your first action. Keep the instructions close while learning this activity. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.
Practice beyond the first move
Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board. Keep the objective visible.
Understand the aim
Claim the most boxes when all nine boxes are complete. Read that aim before choosing your first action. Take a moment to understand the current position.
Work through the instructions
- Select an unfilled edge between adjacent dots.
- Take turns while no box is completed.
- Completing one or two boxes in a move earns another turn.
- Once the board is full, compare the box totals.
How to use the controls
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Keep the playing area visible while using these controls. Make sure you are interacting with the game rather than the surrounding page.
Put the rules into context
An edge shared by two nearly complete boxes can capture both boxes in one move. Use the example as a guide rather than a substitute for reading your board. Keep the game’s format in mind.
Avoid this misunderstanding
Closing a box does not end your turn; you must draw again. Compare the situation with the worked example. After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again.
Answers about the rules and controls
Before I begin, what is the goal of Dots and Boxes?
Keep this in mind: Claim the most boxes when all nine boxes are complete.
While reading the Guide, how do I control Dots and Boxes?
For clarity: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
What example helps explain Dots and Boxes?
Keep this in mind: An edge shared by two nearly complete boxes can capture both boxes in one move.
On this playing page, what should I watch out for in Dots and Boxes?
Here is the relevant explanation: Closing a box does not end your turn; you must draw again.
While learning, what format does Dots and Boxes offer?
Here is the relevant explanation: Play using the same-device two players mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
For my first round, which play mode does Dots and Boxes use?
The key detail is this: The mode on this page is Same-device two players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.