<p>Control center column immediately when you can. Generally if you can control the 2 very center slot then you are in a very very good position to win. </p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-12-07T23:44:59.510Z
2018-12-07T23:44:59.510Z
user25735
<p>Connect 4 is a solved game.  Memorize the solution, and you should be able to win every single time.</p>

<p>Go to the following resource</p>

<p><a href="http://www.connectfour.net/Files/connect4.pdf">http://www.connectfour.net/Files/connect4.pdf</a></p>

<p>I came to that link from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connect_Four">The Wikipedia article</a>, so in case the link ever breaks, you should be able to find another by searching for the <code>"connect 4 solution"</code></p>

<p>That article has a lot of strategic analysis about connect 4, and Even if you can't memorize the solved strategy perfectly, you should be able to glean a lot of good strategic practices from section 3 which is titled <code>Some Strategic Rules for Connect-Four</code></p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-04T10:29:20.300Z
Yes, the link has become outdated.
ghosts_in_the_code
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-27T20:49:59.403Z
2013-03-27T20:49:59.403Z
Sam I am says Reinstate Monica
<p>I am good player at Connect Four and I want to become better.</p>

<p>One <a href="http://boardgames.about.com/od/strategygames/a/How-To-Win-At-Connect-4.htm" rel="nofollow">suggestion</a> I found is:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>The ideal position is to have two potential connect-fours that need a final checker on two spaces that are on top of each other. This will usually lead to a victory, because you can threaten in the first space. If the opponent fails to block, you win. If the opponent blocks, you play on top to win in the next space. A simple way to set this up is to make a "7" with your checkers, such that finishing the horizontal or diagonal connect-four on the right will be two spaces on top of each other.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Are there any other tips for improving my Connect Four play?</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-27T14:14:55.320Z
Your last paragraph is literally word-for-word from the last suggestion at this website http://boardgames.about.com/od/strategygames/a/How-To-Win-At-Connect-4.htm. You should site any sources you use in your question.
SocioMatt
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-27T16:28:57.307Z
Is it possible to become better at playing a [solved game](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solved_game)?
Tacroy
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-27T16:55:57.050Z
@Tacroy, Yes, by actually learning the solution & then remembering it at game time.
Colin D
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-03-27T17:54:22.690Z
@Tacroy - Of course. Just because it's been solved doesn't mean that *you've* solved it (or can solve it), or that your opponent has perfect play.
ire_and_curses
<connect-four>
How can I become a better Connect Four player?
Dchris
# How can I become a better Connect Four player?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2013-03-27)

I am good player at Connect Four and I want to become better.

One [suggestion](http://boardgames.about.com/od/strategygames/a/How-To-Win-At-Connect-4.htm) I found is:

> The ideal position is to have two potential connect-fours that need a final checker on two spaces that are on top of each other. This will usually lead to a victory, because you can threaten in the first space. If the opponent fails to block, you win. If the opponent blocks, you play on top to win in the next space. A simple way to set this up is to make a "7" with your checkers, such that finishing the horizontal or diagonal connect-four on the right will be two spaces on top of each other.

Are there any other tips for improving my Connect Four play?

**Tags:** connect-four

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Your last paragraph is literally word-for-word from the last suggestion at this website http://boardgames.about.com/od/strategygames/a/How-To-Win-At-Connect-4.htm. You should site any sources you use in your question.  
> **username_2**: Is it possible to become better at playing a [solved game](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solved_game)?  
> **username_3**: @username_2, Yes, by actually learning the solution & then remembering it at game time.  
> **username_4**: @username_2 - Of course. Just because it's been solved doesn't mean that *you've* solved it (or can solve it), or that your opponent has perfect play.  

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## 2 answers

### Answer by username_6 on 2013-03-27. Score: 16 | Accepted answer

Connect 4 is a solved game. Memorize the solution, and you should be able to win every single time.

Go to the following resource

<http://www.connectfour.net/Files/connect4.pdf>

I came to that link from [The Wikipedia article](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connect_Four), so in case the link ever breaks, you should be able to find another by searching for the `"connect 4 solution"`

That article has a lot of strategic analysis about connect 4, and Even if you can't memorize the solved strategy perfectly, you should be able to glean a lot of good strategic practices from section 3 which is titled `Some Strategic Rules for Connect-Four`

> **Comments:**
> **username_7**: Yes, the link has become outdated.  

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### Answer by username_5 on 2018-12-07. Score: -3

Control center column immediately when you can. Generally if you can control the 2 very center slot then you are in a very very good position to win.


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