Link 4

Link 4 is a two-player connection game published in 1974 by the Milton Bradley Company. It is a variant of the classic game Connect Four, designed for vertical play on a grid-based board. The game consists of a plastic frame that holds a 7-column by 6-row grid, with each column containing a slot for dropping colored discs. Two sets of discs are provided: one red and one yellow. The objective is to be the first player to align four of one’s own discs in a straight line, either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. The game is classified as a solved game, meaning that with perfect play from both sides, the first player can always force a win. Link 4 is distinct from earlier versions of the game due to its specific branding and packaging, though its core mechanics remain identical to the standard Connect Four ruleset. The game is typically played by two participants, ages six and up, and a single match lasts approximately 10 to 15 minutes. The board is designed to stand upright, allowing discs to fall into place via gravity. The game has been reprinted under various names and is considered a classic example of a positional strategy game.

Gameplay begins with an empty grid. One player selects the red discs, the other the yellow discs. The player with the red discs moves first. On each turn, a player drops one disc into any column that is not already full. The disc falls to the lowest available empty slot within that column. Players alternate turns. The game ends immediately when a player achieves four of their own discs in a consecutive line. Lines can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. If all 42 slots are filled without any player achieving four in a row, the game is declared a draw. No other moves or special actions are permitted. The only control interface is the physical act of inserting a disc into a column slot. No electronic components, timers, or scoring systems are used. The game requires no setup beyond placing the frame on a flat surface and distributing the discs to each player. The rules are fixed and cannot be modified during play.