Forza 4 is a classic for all lovers of strategy games. To beat your opponent, you must first create a series of four pawns on the board. Identifying the winning strategy isn't always easy, but the game is simple enough for the whole family. If you are preparing for your first game, you will understand how to play in no time, especially if you already know Three of a Kind.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Game Preparation
Step 1. Assemble the board
There are several types of chessboards for Forza 4, but all of them have a grid that holds the pieces and a base that keeps the grid vertical. The traditional configuration has two feet into which the grill is inserted. Once the board is assembled, place it on a flat surface and close the lever that prevents the pieces from falling off the bottom.
- When attaching your feet to the grille, make sure the hollow part is facing inward.
- Some versions of Forza 4, such as the travel ones, have a round base, with two side inserts in which to insert the grid.
- When you are ready to play, place the board between you and your opponent, so that you are facing each other.
Step 2. Divide the tokens by color and choose one
Strength 4 contains 21 red and 21 black tokens. Before you start, separate them by color. Then, decide who they will be assigned to. Take the pile of the chosen color and your opponent will have to use the other one.
If you can't agree on which color to use, you can put a red and a black token in a hat, bag, or other non-transparent container. Pull out a token and you will play with that color
Step 3. Decide who starts
Throughout the game, you and your opponent will take turns. Whoever starts first usually has an advantage, so you should start once by one.
If you can't agree on who should start, toss a coin
Part 2 of 3: Play
Step 1. Learn the objective of the game
Before you start playing or formulating a strategy, you need to make sure you know what your goal is. To win, you need to create a row of four pawns. Whoever succeeds first is the winner.
- There are three ways to create a row of pieces: horizontal, vertical and diagonal.
- In some versions of Forza 4 it is possible to add an extra column to the grid and attempt to get a row of five tokens.
Step 2. Make a move
When it's your turn, you have to take a token and drop it into one of the grid columns. After the first move your checker will end up in the lowest row, but you can choose the column you prefer based on your strategy.
Choose each move carefully, because your opponent will play right after you. He'll have a chance to counter your strategy, and if you're not careful, you might even help him get a set of four tokens
Step 3. React to your opponent's move
After you it's the turn of the other player. When planning your moves, think about his reactions. This allows you to react quickly and decisively. Before dropping a token into the grid, ask yourself what you would do next if you were your opponent.
- If you play first, your opponent will likely try to react to your moves and prevent you from creating a row of four pieces.
- If you play second, you will probably have to defend yourself, trying to prevent your opponent from getting a row of four tokens.
Part 3 of 3: Winning
Step 1. Choose the middle column as your first move
If you go first, the first move can decide the outcome of the entire game. To begin with, your best bet is to place your token in the center column. This makes it harder for your opponent to counter your moves and your chances of winning increase.
- Putting the first token in the center does not guarantee victory. You still need to avoid making mistakes.
- If you choose a column other than the middle one for the first move, it becomes easier for your opponent to force you to tie.
Step 2. Choose another square in the lower row as the second move
If you play second, you have to defend yourself, so it's harder to win. If your opponent places the first checker in the middle column, don't put yours on top of the other. That way you would have no strategic advantage. On the contrary, the best choice is to put the checker in a different square on the lowest row and hope for an opponent's mistake.
If your opponent does not put his checker in the middle column as his first move, you should do it, because this is the space that offers the most advantage
Step 3. Use a match solver
If you can't beat your opponents, consult a tool that allows you to enter a player's moves and view which counter moves can guarantee you victory. Many opponents do not appreciate using these tools on their phone or tablet during matches, so use them alone before repeating what you have learned in real matches.
There are many websites, such as Connect Four Solver, that offer tools of this type
Advice
- It is a good idea to open the lever that brings the checkers out of the grid above the box containing the game. This way you won't lose a single piece.
- The best moves are those that offer the most chance of winning. For example, usually the most effective moves allow you to create a row of four pieces horizontally or diagonally. That way you can win even when the opponent blocks a direction.
