SalutGames

Dot Box Duel

No download2–5 min duelsPortrait
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Dot Box DuelSalutGames · Puzzle

Dot Box Duel

Draw a line. Close a box. Go again.

5-minute gamesPuzzleChromebook

About Dot Box Duel

Dot Box Duel is the classic dots and boxes game, drawn in a school notebook. You and your rival take turns drawing one line between two dots. Close the fourth side of a box and it's yours, and you draw again. Close several in a row and you've made a chain: CHAIN x2, x3, and on a good turn a MEGA CHAIN.

The real game is the ending. Sooner or later someone has to draw the third side of a box and hand over a chain. Play the safe lines for as long as you can, and when you have to give something away, give away the smallest chain.

There are three ways to play:

  • Duel Ladder: 24 duels across four chapters (Pencil Case, Homework Desk, Art Class and the Principal's Office) against eight rivals, from Eddie Eraser to The Big Binder. Every duel has three stars to earn: win, win by a set margin, and make a long chain.
  • Quick Duel: pick a rival you've met, choose Easy, Medium or Hard, and a board from Quick (3x3) to Huge (6x6). Turn on stars and bombs for a twist.
  • Pass & Play: two players, Blue against Red, taking turns on one phone, tablet or Chromebook.

Some boxes are special. Star boxes count twice, bomb boxes end your turn when you close them, and later boards have holes and lines already drawn in grey ink.

How to play

  1. Tap or click between two dots to draw a line. You can slide to aim; the line is drawn when you let go.
  2. Close the fourth side of a box to claim it. You score and draw again.
  3. Keep going while you can close boxes. When you can't, draw a line and your turn ends.
  4. Star boxes are worth 2 points. Bomb boxes score, but closing one ends your turn.
  5. When every line is drawn, the player with more boxes wins.

Controls

Draw a line between two dotsTapClick
Aim the line before it is drawnSlide, then let go
Get a hint (3 per duel)Lightbulb
Pause or go backEsc

Tips & tricks

  • Don't draw the third side of a box. It hands your rival a free box, and often the whole chain behind it.
  • Count the safe lines. Near the end, whoever runs out of safe lines first has to open a chain.
  • When you must open a chain, open the shortest one.
  • Leave the last two boxes on purpose. When you're taking a long chain, giving your rival the last two boxes can force them to open the next, bigger chain.
  • Close bomb boxes last in a chain, because a bomb ends your turn.
  • Stuck? Tap the lightbulb. You get three hints in every duel against the computer.
Full guideTwo Players, One Screen: Pass-and-Play Games Explained

Screenshots

Dot Box Duel screenshot 1Dot Box Duel screenshot 2Dot Box Duel screenshot 3Dot Box Duel screenshot 4Dot Box Duel screenshot 5

FAQ

Is Dot Box Duel free?

Yes. Dot Box Duel is free to play in your browser on SalutGames. No download and no account are needed.

Can two people play?

Yes. Pass & Play lets two players take turns on the same phone, tablet or computer, Blue against Red.

How do I win at dots and boxes?

Avoid drawing the third side of a box, count the safe lines that are left, and when you have to open a chain, give away the shortest one.

What do star and bomb boxes do?

A star box is worth 2 points. A bomb box scores, but closing it ends your turn.

How many duels are there?

The Duel Ladder has 24 duels in four chapters, each with three stars to earn. Quick Duel and Pass & Play let you play as many extra games as you like.

Is my progress saved?

Yes. Your stars and unlocked duels are saved on your device.