Are you game for strategy?

It was a silly pre-conceived notion that aggressively peddled games are best avoided, that was responsible for me avoiding Connect4 for this long. It’s everywhere! In every book and games store. Even in the most unlikely general stores that stock a few board games. Most recently, I even saw a full-blown garden version of the game standingsome four feet tall, surrounded by a gaggle of waist-high noisy little monsters.

Connect4 is a Hasbro classic made available to us in India courtesy Funskool. Retailing at `249, it’s a great buy. The simple device of a game grid going vertical, introduces a 3D dynamism that makes a strategy game even more compelling. The grid, retaining guide, and end supports lock into place effortlessly. Each players gets 21 red or yellow checkers. Playing alternately, players drop their checkers into any of the seven slots at the top of the 7x6 grid. No other rules to master! The purpose of the game is to be the first to get four checkers in a row — horizontal, vertical or diagonal.
A filled-up grid is delightfully cheerful to look at. The vividly red and yellow checkers, smartly defined by the black grid. There are a great many four-in-a-row games, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all of them. Connect4 is the only vertical drop challenge version I’ve encountered.
Set up is simple. At the end of the game, pull the retaining guide at the bottom of the grid to a side, and all the checkers drop out of the grid. You’re set to go again.
Connect4 is a two-player game in a format that encourages group participation. The vertical grid format is clearly visible to a group. The drama of large format, where a whole bunch of people can excitedly comment on the quality of game play and your strategic capabilities. In my first serious try at the game, I engaged with a competitor who insisted it reminded her of ‘Tetris’ — the frenetically-paced game of tiles dropping down vertically, with little time to choose which column best suits your interests. Connect4 is a first-rate buy. It requires devious and quick-witted thinking. It’s a great old-fashioned strategy game for all ages.

— The author may be contacted at arup_kavan@yahoo.com [1]