Dots and Boxes

Check out this fun strategy game! Challenge your young student to practice his critical thinking skills while enjoying a little quality time together. You'll take turns connecting dots and trying to claim squares. Making thoughtful choices is necessary in order to win this game! Discuss the importance of making careful decisions as you play. Are there any successful strategies that can help a player win?

What You Need:

• One Dots and Boxes game board (Print this out.)
• Popsicle sticks (17), tens rods (17), or a writing utensil

What You Do:

1. Take turns connecting two dots. You can use Popsicle sticks, tens rods, or a crayon/pen/pencil. Dots may only be connected vertically or horizontally; not diagonally.
2. Players earn one point for each square they finish. When a player creates that fourth side, they may either record one point or write their initials/symbol in the center of that square.
3. The game ends when every possible move has been made. The player with the most points or squares wins!

Variation:

Change the size of the grid by creating your own game board.