Four in a row: a free strategy game for kids

Players take turns dropping counters into a grid of seven columns and six rows. The first to line up four, across, down or diagonally, wins. Play the computer at five levels, from Beginner, which moves at random, to Expert, which plays almost perfectly, or choose Practice Mode for two players taking turns on one device.

Works with a mouse or a touchscreen, so it is fine on a tablet.

How to play

1. 1Press Play vs Computer and choose a level, or Practice Mode to play a friend on the same device.
2. 2Tap a column to drop your counter into it.
3. 3Get four of your counters in a line before the other player does.

What your child practises

• Planning ahead and predicting the other player's next move
• Spotting patterns across rows, columns and diagonals
• Blocking a threat before it wins

A tip for parents and teachers

Play a few rounds of Practice Mode together, then show your child a double threat: two ways to win at once, so the other player can only block one. It is the idea that beats the computer on the harder levels.