Score Four

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A selfmade Score Four game

Score Four is a 3-D version of the abstract strategy game Connect Four. It was first sold under the name "Score Four" by Funtastic in 1967, and later by Hasbro under the name "Connect Four Advanced". The object of Score Four is to position four beads of the same color in a straight line on any level or any angle. Beginners will often overlook a simple threat to score four; it is therefore important to always check all vertical, horizontal and diagonal possibilities before making a move.

In a score four game in progress, one aims at forcing a win by making two threats simultaneously; conversely, one should prevent the opponent from doing so. As a general rule, discs played in the center columns are more valuable than border columns, because they participate in more potential four-ball lines (and accordingly limit the opponent's score four opportunities and his chances of winning).

Among good players trying to score four, the short term goal is to connect three balls, thereby preventing the opponent from playing in a certain column. Towards the end, the game then often turns into a complex counting match: both players try to score four by forcing the other to play a certain column. In these situations, it is useful to realize that, if it's your move, then after filling an even number of places, it's still your move. Every column has an even number of places.