Classroom · Games · Two players

game boards

The classic pencil-and-paper game for two players. Print the rules and boards in three sizes, plus a math version that turns every box into an addition problem. Great for indoor recess, early finishers and family game night.

Download dots and boxes(4 pages, color)Ink saver (B&W)

1. Rules and two quick games
How to play with a picture example, then two 5 by 5 boards.
2. Four medium games
Four 7 by 7 boards, each with a place for both scores.
3. One big board
A 10 by 10 board with 81 boxes for a long game.
4. Math dots and boxes
Every box is worth its number; add up your boxes to win.

How to play dots and boxes

Take turns. On your turn, join two dots that are next to each other with one line, across or down. No diagonals.
Close a box, go again. If your line closes the fourth side of a box, write your initial inside it and draw another line.
Count up. When every box is closed, count your boxes. The player with the most boxes wins.

Tips to win

Try not to draw the third side of a box. It hands the box to the other player.
Near the end, count the chains of boxes. Give away a short chain to win a long one.
On the math board, aim for the stars and the big numbers first.

Common questions

How do you play dots and boxes?

Two players take turns drawing one line between two dots that are next to each other, across or down. If your line closes the fourth side of a box, write your initial inside it and take another turn. When every box is closed, the player with the most boxes wins.

What is the best strategy?

Avoid drawing the third side of a box, because that lets the other player close it. Near the end, try to leave your opponent the short chains of boxes and save the long chains for yourself.

How does the math version work?

Each box has a number from 1 to 9, and a star box is worth 10. Instead of counting boxes, players add up the numbers in the boxes they closed. It turns the game into quick addition practice.

What age is dots and boxes for?

Children from about 5 can play on the small 5x5 boards. The 7x7 and 10x10 boards suit older children, and the math board suits 1st grade and up, once children can add numbers to 10.

Can I copy these boards for my class?

Yes. The PDF is free to print and photocopy for classroom and home use, in color or in the black-and-white ink saver. Please link to this page rather than re-uploading the file.

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