Does the first player always win Connect Four?

With perfect play, yes — the first player can force a win by starting in the centre column. But a single mistake hands the advantage over, so good play from both sides still matters.

What is the best move in Connect Four?

Open in the centre column. After that, balance making your own threats with blocking your opponent's, and look for moves that create two threats at once.

What is a double threat in Connect Four?

A double threat is one move that creates two ways to make four-in-a-row. Since your opponent can block only one, you win on the following turn. It's the most reliable way to close out a game.

Guides

Connect Four Winning Strategy

Connect Four looks simple, but it's a solved game with real depth. With the right ideas you'll beat most opponents — and even force wins. Here are the principles that matter most.

Start in the centre

The centre column is the most valuable on the board because it takes part in the most possible four-in-a-rows. Opening in the centre gives you more threats and better defence. With perfect play, the first player wins by starting there.

Think in threats, not pieces

A threat is a square where placing a disc would complete four-in-a-row. Strong players don't just stack pieces — they create squares where they're threatening to win, forcing the opponent to react instead of building their own attack.

The double threat wins games

If you can make two threats at once, your opponent can block only one — so you win on the next move. Setting up a single move that creates two separate three-in-a-rows is the core winning pattern in Connect Four.

Odd and even threats

Count rows from the bottom: rows 1, 3 and 5 are odd; rows 2, 4 and 6 are even. With normal play the first player tends to benefit from odd threats and the second player from even threats. Aiming your threats at the right parity is an advanced edge in tight games.

Common mistakes to avoid

Don't ignore the opponent's three-in-a-row hoping to win first — always check for their immediate threat. Avoid playing a disc directly under a square that lets them win on top of it. And don't crowd one side; keep the centre.

Frequently asked questions

Does the first player always win Connect Four?: With perfect play, yes — the first player can force a win by starting in the centre column. But a single mistake hands the advantage over, so good play from both sides still matters.
What is the best move in Connect Four?: Open in the centre column. After that, balance making your own threats with blocking your opponent's, and look for moves that create two threats at once.
What is a double threat in Connect Four?: A double threat is one move that creates two ways to make four-in-a-row. Since your opponent can block only one, you win on the following turn. It's the most reliable way to close out a game.

Play Connect Four