Two players · one shared line
How to play Hold the Line
Together you draw one long path of straight lines across a square of dots, each line added to one of its two ends. Lines may not cross or touch the path. Whoever is forced to draw the last line loses.
What you need
- A pencil or pen
- A sheet of paper
- Two players
How to set up
Draw 4 rows of 4 dots. The first player draws a straight line between any two dots.
1. Draw a square of dots: 4 rows of 4.
2. The first player joins any two dots in a straight line.
3. Take turns adding a straight line to either end of the path. The player who draws the last line loses.
How to play
- Add one straight line to either end of the path: across, down or diagonal, as far as you like.
- A line may not pass over or end on a dot the path already uses.
- Lines may not cross: two diagonals of the same square cross.
How to win
Make your rival draw the last possible line. When a player draws a line after which no line can be added, that player loses.
Tip Count the moves left near the end: you want your rival to be stuck with the final line.
Variants
- 4 × 4 dots
- The classic board: 16 dots.
- 5 × 5 dots
- A longer game: 25 dots.
Play Hold the Line in the app
- Play against doodled characters, from beginner to expert.
- Pass and play with a friend on one device.
Every game comes with a step-by-step tutorial and printable sheets.