Pencil and Paper Games

Squares (Dots and Boxes)

Squares (or Dots and Boxes, if you prefer) is another fun paper and pencil game that you can learn quite easily. This game is more complex that Tic-Tac-Toe, and provides more of a challenge to play. Strategy is definitely involved, especially at the end of the game. There are two main variations to the game, which I  will get to after explaining the basic rules of play. First, draw a board of dots. The number doesn't matter, but you should put the same number of dots across and down. Here is an example:

The first player draws a line connecting two of the dots. Then the next player does the same. When a player creates a box, that player puts their initials in the box and takes another turn. The player with the most boxes at the end of the game wins. Here is an example of game play on a small board (player 1 moves in red, player 2 moves in blue):

Notice that in the last move here, player 1 (red) gets take another turn because he had created a box on the previous turn. The most important variation in this game involves whether or not you MUST create a box when one is available. This really changes the complexion of the game. If you do have to create a box, the game will usually go down to the end and be quite close. If you don't have to create a box, then one player will often win big by being the first to get a string of 3 boxes. Try it both ways and see which you prefer!