Is Connect 4 A Board Game?

Whether you’ve played Connect 4 or not, perhaps you’ve wondered, does it deserve to be in the board game aisle. Is Connect 4 deserving of being included in that category? Well, that’s what we’re here to find out.

Connect 4 is a board game because all a game needs to be considered a board game is that it’s a game experience in a box that brings people together. Connect 4 has been doing that since 1974.

What Is Connect 4?

Connect 4 is one of those classic board games most people have either played or know about. Still, not everyone will, and if you’re one of those people, that’s okay! So, let me tell you what Connect 4 is.

Connect 4 is a game (not saying if it’s of a certain variety yet or not yet because, you know, suspense reasons – or you could just read further down, haha) where two players are competing against one another by dropping either plastic red or yellow discs into a plastic grid. They alternate turns until someone has made a vertical, horizontal, or diagonal row of four of the same color disc. In that case, that player wins.

Is Connect 4 A Board Game?

So, let’s start off with why some people may answer this question with a no. This mostly boils down to the components. Connect 4 has no cardboard components at all! In fact, unless you count the game box as part of the game (which I do), then there’s no cardboard at all!

Connect 4 is a bunch of plastic and a rulebook. But…I still consider it a board game. By the way, if you want a more in-depth look at this, take a look at my thoughts on what makes a board game a board game here.

So, why do I consider Connect 4 deserving of being in this category? It’s not because it’s in the board game aisle. It’s also not out of pity.

I consider Connect 4 a board game because all a game needs to be a board game is a shared game experience in a box. And that’s it!

Does Connect 4 do that? Absolutely, and it’s been doing it since 1974. Pretty crazy to think the game is that old.

Did You Know?

(Each time you refresh the page you will get a new “Did You Know” fact!)

Did you know there’s such a thing as a filler game? This type of game is a great addition to any game library, so check out what it is here!

Conclusion: Is Connect 4 A Board Game?

So, hey, turns out Connect 4 gets to be included too! At least, according to me anyway. I’d like to see your thoughts on this matter too.

Do you also think Connect 4 deserves to be in this category? Why or why not? let me know in the comments below!

And, as always, keep on gaming, fellow board gamers.