Printable dots and boxes
A dot grid ready for the game of closing boxes, in three sizes. Pick the size, print it and play with a pencil for each player.
Preview of the printable sheet: Dots and boxes
In the print window, set the paper to A4 or Letter and the scale to 100%.
- 1 sheet of paper
- A pencil or pen for each player (different colors work best)
How do you play dots and boxes?
In dots and boxes, two players take turns drawing a line between two neighboring dots. Whoever draws the fourth side of a box scores a point and goes again. The game ends when every box is closed, and the player who closed more wins. This page has the dot grid in three sizes, with 42, 99 or 168 boxes.
How to set up
- Pick the grid size: small, medium or large.
- Print the sheet at 100% scale (or Fit to page on Letter paper).
- Each player writes their name in one of the scoreboard frames.
- Each player picks a letter or a sign to mark their boxes.
How to play dots and boxes
- The game is for two people. Decide who goes first.
- On your turn, draw a line between two neighboring dots, across or down. Diagonal lines and lines that skip a dot are not allowed.
- The player who draws the fourth side of a box closes that box: they write their letter inside it and score one point.
- A player who closes a box must draw one more line. As long as you close boxes, you keep playing.
- A single line can close two boxes at once. That scores two points, and the player draws one more line.
- If your line closes no box, the turn passes to the other player.
- The game ends when all the boxes are closed.
- Count each player's boxes and write them on the scoreboard. The player with more boxes wins.
Tips to play better
- Avoid drawing the third side of a box: your opponent closes it on the next move.
- In the middle of the game, the grid splits into chains. The player forced to open a chain gives its boxes away.
- Count the chains that are left. Giving away a short chain can secure a long one later.
- On the small grid, the game is quick. On the large one, it pays to plan from the start.
Frequently asked questions
How do you score in dots and boxes?
You score one point each time you draw the fourth side of a box. Mark the box with your letter and play again.
Do you play again after closing a box?
Yes. A player who closes a box must draw one more line and keeps going as long as they close boxes.
Which grid size should I pick?
The small grid has 42 boxes and is good for learning. The medium grid has 99 boxes. The large grid has 168 boxes and makes a long game.
Can more than two people play?
Yes. The rules are the same, and each person uses a different letter. The scoreboard has room for two names; write the others next to it.
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