Squares Help

About Squares
Starting a New Game
Setting Up the Board
Saving a Game in Progress
Restarting a Game in Progress
Starting a Game with Random Lines

About Squares
Squares is a game of strategy. The idea is to connect the dots in such a way that you -- not your opponent -- can draw the final line that completes a square. For each square you complete, you get one point. Since your opponent follows the same rules, both of you endeavor (most of the time) to stop the other from completing a square.

The rules are simple:

- You can connect dots using only horizontal and vertical lines. Diagonal lines are not allowed.
- When you complete a square, you are allowed to make another move.

Tips

- Unless it fits with a well-thought-out strategy, don't make the third edge of a square, because your opponent can then complete the square and make a point.
- It is sometimes beneficial to give up some squares early in the game. But be careful!

Starting a New Game

1. In the New Game dialog box, type your name and initials, and then select the Select button.
2. Select the color you want to draw your lines in, and then select OK.
3. If you want to change the name in the Player 2 box, select it and then type the new name.
4. Repeat steps 2, 3, and 4 for each additional player, up to 4 players.
5. Select Let's Play!

Setting Up the Board

1. Select File > Options.
2. In the Number of Dots Down box, select or type the number of dots from top to bottom. The minimum is 2, and the maximum depends on the height of your screen.
3. In the Number of Dots Across box, select or type the number of dots from left to right. The minimum is 2, and the maximum depends on the width of your screen.
4. To hear a sound when you or your opponent make a point, select the Play Sound box.
5. To show the initials of the player who makes a point inside the completed square, select Show Initials.

Saving a Game in Progress

1. Select File > Save.
   Note To save the file with a different name, select File > Save As.
2. In the folder list, select or create the folder where you want to save your game.
3. In the Name box, enter the name of your game.

Restarting a Game in Progress

1. Start Squares.
2. Select File > Open.
3. In the folder list, select the folder that contains your game.
4. Select or type the name of your game.

Starting a Game with Random Lines
If you and your opponent have played Squares enough to have developed a strategy, starting a game with random lines is a good way to add some challenges to your game. You can add random lines to a new game or to a game in progress.

- Select File > Add Random Lines. The lines are scattered throughout the game board.