Connect All Four

Connect All Four is a classic two-player strategy game. Take turns dropping discs into the board, and be the first to line up four of your own! It's quick to learn, fun to replay, and a great way to practice planning ahead and thinking about what someone else might do next.

Step 1: Pick your color

Each player chooses a disc color. Let your client pick first. It's a small choice that helps them feel in charge from the start.

Step 2: Decide who goes first

Choose who starts the first game. You can take turns going first each round to keep things fair.

Step 3: Drop a disc

On your turn, choose one of the seven columns and drop a disc into it. The disc falls to the lowest open space in that column.

Step 4: Take turns

Players take turns dropping one disc at a time. Once a disc is placed, it stays there.

Step 5: Connect four to win

The first player to get four of their discs in a row wins! A row can go:

• Across, in a horizontal line
• Up and down, in a vertical line
• Corner to corner, along a diagonal

Step 6: Watch for a tie

If all 42 spaces on the board fill up and nobody has four in a row, the game is a tie.

Step 7: Play again

Start a new game as many times as you like. Try switching who goes first to keep things fresh.

Tips for using Connect All Four in session

• Think ahead together. Ask, "Where do you think I'll go next?" It's a natural way to practice perspective-taking.
• Talk through choices. Ask, "What made you pick that column?" to explore planning and decision-making.
• Notice blocks and near-misses. Getting blocked can be frustrating. It's a good moment to talk about handling setbacks and trying a new plan.
• Celebrate good sportsmanship. Notice when your client waits their turn, stays calm after a loss, or congratulates the winner.