- Players
- 2–4
- Time
- 10 min each
- Stakes
- Set at launch
- Status
- Coming soon
How to play Dots & Boxes
Draw lines to complete boxes. Easy to learn, with deep strategy in controlling chains.
A 6×6 grid of dots — 25 boxes — with no lines drawn.
- Draw one line between two neighbouring dots.
- Complete a box and it is yours, and you move again.
Rules summary
- When every line is drawn, most boxes wins. With 25 boxes a two-player game cannot tie; tied multiplayer players split the pot.
Fair play and verification
Low cheating risk
The game runs on the server, not on your device: your device sends moves and the server applies the published rules, keeps the clock and records every move, so either player can have a disputed game reviewed move by move.
- Chains are shown clearly — the skill is not handing your opponent a long one.
- Every game runs on a server clock: running out of time loses.
- A disconnected player has 60 seconds to return before forfeiting.
Dots & Boxes: questions and answers
What is Dots & Boxes?
Draw lines to complete boxes. Easy to learn, with deep strategy in controlling chains. On Ariplex it is played online by 2 to 4 players in a web browser, on a phone or a computer.
Can I play Dots & Boxes on Ariplex yet?
Not yet. Dots & Boxes is in development and has no announced opening date. This page describes the rules it will use, and it will change to a play button when the game opens.
How do you win at Dots & Boxes?
When every line is drawn, most boxes wins. With 25 boxes a two-player game cannot tie; tied multiplayer players split the pot.
How long does a game of Dots & Boxes take?
Time control on Ariplex: 10 min each. A player who disconnects has 60 seconds to come back before forfeiting.
Will I play against a bot in Dots & Boxes?
Not in a staked match. Staked matches pair real people by a hidden skill rating. Computer opponents appear only in free practice.
How do I know a Dots & Boxes result is fair?
The game runs on the server, not on your device: your device sends moves and the server applies the published rules, keeps the clock and records every move, so either player can have a disputed game reviewed move by move.