The Best Strategy to Win at Connect 4! (Odd Even Strategy)

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  • čas přidán 21. 12. 2017
  • An overview of what I consider the best connect 4 strategy. It works by strategically positioning yourself to win on an odd row if you are the first player to make a move and an even row if you are the second player to go.
    If you have questions on this video, feel free to leave me a comment!
    Good luck beating all your friends in connect 4! :)
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Komentáře • 283

  • @Escorpio123PS
    @Escorpio123PS Před 6 lety +361

    I love this video. You're the best. And explained and taught me more about this awesome game. Keep them coming please. I'm subscribing. You should record while playing with online players.

    • @KeithGalli
      @KeithGalli  Před 6 lety +14

      Thanks for the positive feedback! My current plan is to release a couple programming videos next, but after that I have a couple ideas for new connect 4 videos and can make one of them playing against online players!

    • @Escorpio123PS
      @Escorpio123PS Před 6 lety +2

      Keith Galli awesome. Thank for the communication. I'll wait patiently 🙏👍.

    • @anthonydargan1459
      @anthonydargan1459 Před 6 lety

      Yellow would’ve lost on the 2nd example if read went on column 3 after yellow took 2nd row

    • @anthonydargan1459
      @anthonydargan1459 Před 6 lety

      Red could just go up the first column and secure the 3rd column with either a diagonal or across

    • @anthonydargan1459
      @anthonydargan1459 Před 6 lety

      At 3:40 if red went up the 1st row he would’ve won with the 3rd row on the 2nd column

  • @dobeeeeval
    @dobeeeeval Před 6 lety +2540

    My 8 year old nephew won't know what hit him.

    • @kaliented
      @kaliented Před 3 lety +10

      @@miguelsanchezramirez1987 lol no fuck off

    • @craigeillison9650
      @craigeillison9650 Před 3 lety +27

      8 years old? Way to old for this game.

    • @Kapa_sound
      @Kapa_sound Před 3 lety +8

      @@craigeillison9650 😆🤣😂. My 9 year old too

    • @Drewsroofingandhomerepair
      @Drewsroofingandhomerepair Před 3 lety +25

      That’s my problem my damn grandson kicks my butt every time he comes over to my house. And then he brags that’s what makes me the maddest. Lol

    • @kingnats9246
      @kingnats9246 Před 3 lety +7

      😭😭😭

  • @shubhidusad6930
    @shubhidusad6930 Před 2 měsíci +34

    Everyone is here for revenge

  • @subscriberswithvideos-up2wl
    @subscriberswithvideos-up2wl Před 4 lety +402

    I just sneak 2 in while my opponent isn’t looking

  • @theason8026
    @theason8026 Před 3 lety +487

    Is it bad that I'm so competitive that I looked up a strategy that I'm going to twist and find my own way

    • @dudeguy8864
      @dudeguy8864 Před 3 lety +39

      Always play to win

    • @jaytex4206
      @jaytex4206 Před 2 lety

      @Si0NE omg bro u actually pranked me

    • @lokoamoanero2828
      @lokoamoanero2828 Před rokem

      @Si0NE lmao i thought that was show more

    • @pocahantasmillian
      @pocahantasmillian Před rokem

      Lmaooo that’s exactly why I’m here😂

    • @menaceclan
      @menaceclan Před rokem

      Just came here for THE SAME THING .. So you NOT BAD.. or we both are lol ..

  • @lukefarry2142
    @lukefarry2142 Před rokem +27

    Dude, thank you. My friend group has gotten silly competitive about connect 4 lately and I couldn't figure out why my traps weren't working properly

  • @robinravel8561
    @robinravel8561 Před 9 měsíci +6

    That was amazing. I've been playing this game a lot. I enjoy playing it, since I was 5 years old. Never thought of that !
    You have all my respect, thanks a lot.
    Very interesting, I loved your video 😄😄👍

  • @billgeltzeiler5929
    @billgeltzeiler5929 Před 5 lety +71

    damn keith i LOVE this strategy, thank you for the video. i actually came upon this theory all by myself and kept testing it, i called it a "3rd/5th story victory" for an odd player or a "2nd/4th/6th story victory" for an even player lol, but could not find a lot of info on it. really kicked my gameplay to the next level, if often does come down to that final column and people are amazed how often i pull it off in that case ;)

    • @KeithGalli
      @KeithGalli  Před 5 lety +4

      Bill Geltzeiler yea it is a great strategy! It seems like magic to people who don't know it :)

    • @billgeltzeiler5929
      @billgeltzeiler5929 Před 5 lety +1

      how did you come upon it?

    • @scribbletv8061
      @scribbletv8061 Před rokem

      I actually learned this opening by playing against connect 4 hard ai on a website and the ai always used opening similar to this

  • @AlexSuperTramp.
    @AlexSuperTramp. Před 4 lety +26

    I love it. My family went crazy when they played against me :D

  • @mikeyt6719
    @mikeyt6719 Před 4 lety +61

    Can you please make a very detailed guided connect four marathon... basically explaining exactly why you are making each move.

  • @bruno_s_e
    @bruno_s_e Před rokem +10

    i stopped thinking when he pulled math

  • @harbinger5352
    @harbinger5352 Před 9 měsíci +4

    Gotta keep the grind on. Never lose and never surrender.

  • @jditmer0
    @jditmer0 Před 2 lety +1

    What! You're giving it away! I had to figure this out completely by myself 4 years ago... now ppl can just watch your video lol. You're right it wasn't really on the web at the time. At least you didn't go over all the exceptions to the big rule....

  • @saganmcvander636
    @saganmcvander636 Před 4 lety +26

    I was studying a minmax of this game by myself and even playing with 3 and 4 players on custom sized boards before figuring out on my own the hard way about how the height of the board divided by the number of players effects the game. I see this video and agree that nobody else has solving this game in this way.

  • @joelt3944
    @joelt3944 Před 4 lety +97

    I just go on the defensive and always find myself in a good winning position

    • @Intellectual_House
      @Intellectual_House Před 3 lety +5

      Not for me i always lose at the end 😔

    • @cameronwhittemore7437
      @cameronwhittemore7437 Před 3 lety +4

      It always becomes a stailmate and I always lose it

    • @bubbahottep8644
      @bubbahottep8644 Před 3 lety

      Thank goodness.

    • @RhinoHand
      @RhinoHand Před 3 lety +2

      I always attack as much as I can then go on the defensive until one of my diagonals win

    • @bubbahottep8644
      @bubbahottep8644 Před 3 lety

      @@RhinoHand I have a different strategy, one that is guaranteed to win. It is a twin to my, "But high, sell low," financial plan. I just wish it was guaranteed a win for _me_, instead of homeboy, my opponent.

  • @zainabkurbanbaeva3379
    @zainabkurbanbaeva3379 Před 22 dny

    I learn so much today thank you so much

  • @theseeker3771
    @theseeker3771 Před rokem

    Killer analysis...thanks.

  • @deltreseshabattawowowwwow6825

    Hi there it’s me Deltrese. I love watching your channel.

  • @kellybagabaddie1203
    @kellybagabaddie1203 Před 5 lety +44

    I REALLY NEED HELP BECAUSE MY TEACHER SAID WE ARE GETTING HAVE A CONNECT 4 CONTEST AND THE LAST ONE REMAINS GETS A PRIZEEEE

    • @paigemerrick3753
      @paigemerrick3753 Před 4 lety +3

      Hope you won! :)

    • @bendeguzbagosi2385
      @bendeguzbagosi2385 Před 3 lety +2

      Yes how did it go

    • @MasterBronzeElite
      @MasterBronzeElite Před 3 lety +1

      Ok who won. Spill the beans

    • @moupow7056
      @moupow7056 Před 3 lety +1

      To be the best, think forwards after your move and think the possible tactics available for you and for yourself

    • @a.b_s9501
      @a.b_s9501 Před 3 lety

      To be the best you must sit quietly and observe everyone in the room

  • @brendatoscano9847
    @brendatoscano9847 Před 2 lety

    I don't understand at all because i don't speak english very well but i think it's a great video and also you have a nice voice. I'll try to understand a little bit more. Are you saying that with a little of math you can win? Do you now how does it works with real people or its the same?

  • @frsumrith
    @frsumrith Před 3 lety

    Wow never thought of that

  • @euphratessful
    @euphratessful Před 3 lety +24

    this method only works when you playing vs. yourself

  • @idries23
    @idries23 Před 5 lety +1

    thanks dude

  • @sedra7702
    @sedra7702 Před rokem +2

    The fact that I was doing this subconsciously before realizing it was an actual strategy

    • @McShroom
      @McShroom Před rokem

      You proud of yourself?

  • @timothyulrey4508
    @timothyulrey4508 Před 4 lety +1

    Awesome. Ty

  • @daiquirianonymous
    @daiquirianonymous Před 8 měsíci +1

    What about cases where there are two columns with spots that would win, i.e:
    Even has a win in row 4 in one column, and odd has a win in row 5 in another column.
    Even has a win in row 4 and 2 in one column, and odd has a win in row 3 in another column.
    Are there any general rules to calculate these cases efficiently or do you just have to work out each case by itself?

  • @dougsfan9984
    @dougsfan9984 Před 4 lety +1

    Thank you

  • @lefc7527
    @lefc7527 Před 4 lety +7

    I am often encountering a problem with this strategy. Let's say I am player1 and I can get 4 at the 3rd row of a column.
    So we fill the rest of the board but at some point before that my opponent plays at the 1st row of that winning column, so when we fill the rest of board, I then find myself forced to play at the 2nd row of my winning column, so he then plays at the 3rd and neutralize my position. How can this be avoided?
    Does this mean that player2 can always just play at the first row somewhere and then is able to cancel all odd winning positions of player1?

    • @karelspinka3031
      @karelspinka3031 Před 4 lety +2

      This shouldn't be possible unless another column on the board is closed. When you create (as the 1st player) a triple on an odd row, the parity of the other winning columns changes. If you manage to create an even threat on another column, you win faster in the endgame. On the other hand, if your opponent manages to create an even threat (after you made yours), both threats will be cancelled in the endgame and the game will likely end in a draw (unless other threats are present).

  • @mattzmom1
    @mattzmom1 Před 4 lety +21

    Thanks for the tip. I’m trying to win against my 11 yr old son🤪

  • @deltafirechimp
    @deltafirechimp Před rokem

    I can't wait to play connect 4

  • @BryanFuryous
    @BryanFuryous Před 6 lety +3

    Cool channel, I subbed :)

    • @KeithGalli
      @KeithGalli  Před 6 lety +1

      Glad you like it! Thanks for the sub :)

  • @laurencahn9192
    @laurencahn9192 Před 8 měsíci +3

    Can't one of the players foil the strategy by placing a piece in the column you're trying to keep empty?

  • @hlo0o0o0le
    @hlo0o0o0le Před 4 lety

    Amazing

  • @deltreseshabattawowowwwow6825

    Magnificent

  • @thomasrayanthony4871
    @thomasrayanthony4871 Před 5 lety +1

    Such a great video! Awesome. Wanna play a game of virtual parcheesi? What’s your username?

  • @sundvisson
    @sundvisson Před 2 lety

    what about bottom row nmr 1 for the odd player?

  • @jackietaylor3188
    @jackietaylor3188 Před rokem +1

    I’ve done that and then by the fourth move I’m blown out of the water cause I haven’t blocked it properly. So frustrating.

  • @yusufalkac7230
    @yusufalkac7230 Před 2 lety +1

    i think this game is very underrated

  • @arnswkm
    @arnswkm Před 4 lety +2

    What l do is put the first chip in the middle, and then, the second chip in the left or the right and then, the third chip in the center of the both left or the right, Finally, if they go left or the right l trapped them both side?

    • @arnswkm
      @arnswkm Před 4 lety +2

      Yes that’s right?

  • @rayanwaseem5530
    @rayanwaseem5530 Před 3 lety +3

    thank you so much you explained good i won from a robot first i thugot your trick will not work but it did work wow

  • @elitaylor2934
    @elitaylor2934 Před 3 lety

    If red moved first that means he was odd. How did was he only able to move on two evens both ways

  • @chessandmusicwithoskiez6241

    Anyone else who figured this strategy out on their own and checked if it had already been made somewhere? (The thing about double connect 3’s at the end I sorta forgot about)

  • @rafaelo_taekook4571
    @rafaelo_taekook4571 Před 4 lety +1

    Loved

  • @thetwirl5842
    @thetwirl5842 Před 2 lety

    Perfection

  • @N-Nasseb
    @N-Nasseb Před 11 měsíci

    Ty

  • @joshnorko5586
    @joshnorko5586 Před rokem +2

    Second player cannot win even with your strategy. Player one will always win, granted you have all the pieces and nobody knocked it over lol. Great vid man

  • @i_am_king3296
    @i_am_king3296 Před 2 lety +5

    No one drops that many pieces in one Column like that

  • @solidwaterslayer
    @solidwaterslayer Před 3 lety +2

    i took a class on connect 4. I'm so tired of beating all my friends and all the computers.
    finally a worthy opponent. this battle will be legendary!!

  • @naitawar6500
    @naitawar6500 Před 2 lety

    thanks.

  • @deltreseshabattawowowwwow6825

    Yes magician

  • @kssppowj5316
    @kssppowj5316 Před rokem

    Thx

  • @flightsfeelings
    @flightsfeelings Před 12 dny

    this is definitely helpful end of game strategy but there’s a better strategy to make this more likely in your favor

  • @roaaali8009
    @roaaali8009 Před rokem

    can you provide us with the implementation

  • @aryehshulman8557
    @aryehshulman8557 Před 4 lety

    this is genius

  • @4th_wall511
    @4th_wall511 Před 7 měsíci +1

    hopefully this scores me a few drinks

  • @eleazarjabalde5442
    @eleazarjabalde5442 Před 5 lety +5

    Nobody beats me with this game..i dont think you can also beat me sir.😊

  • @AUserNobodyAskedFor
    @AUserNobodyAskedFor Před rokem

    but what if the enemy doesn't fall for the trick

  • @nanafritz7242
    @nanafritz7242 Před 6 lety +1

    Don't let little Tammy eat all the coco beans

  • @nanafritz7242
    @nanafritz7242 Před 6 lety +2

    I'M going to Montana in the Elmo van with the 2 boxes of cookies

  • @HyDeph0
    @HyDeph0 Před 4 lety +1

    thanks connect msn

  • @Mektek19
    @Mektek19 Před rokem +3

    Makes sense but what are the odds of one column being completely empty by the 37th move.

  • @ianfawknotson1800
    @ianfawknotson1800 Před 4 měsíci

    This is why I play with the pie rule

  • @nicholaszarb2504
    @nicholaszarb2504 Před 4 lety +4

    Re last example: player 1 must introduce asymmetry into the game in order to win

  • @abcrm101
    @abcrm101 Před 2 lety +8

    As the even player, go for 2 5 (and the odd player should go for 3 6)
    Then you are going to win even if you are blocked at row 2
    But the even player if going to win nonetheless
    P.S. odd columns are underrated, finally someone is talking about it

  • @FAnizah_edits29
    @FAnizah_edits29 Před 3 lety +2

    should you be playing offense or defense in connect 4

  • @cameronthomas3398
    @cameronthomas3398 Před rokem

    you got good mouse handwriting

  • @ster.shorts
    @ster.shorts Před 10 měsíci

    What working as a summer camp counselor makes me watch

  • @Professional-Idi0t
    @Professional-Idi0t Před 6 lety +4

    Wow! I'm the best guy I know and know of, I beat you also, and I AS IN ME didn't know this! This really opens up a lot. Thank you!

    • @KeithGalli
      @KeithGalli  Před 6 lety +1

      Damn I already had enough trouble playing you before, now I'm really scared xD haha

    • @Professional-Idi0t
      @Professional-Idi0t Před 6 lety

      I would play you again now, but I gotta practice first with this strategy. Hope to play you another time!

  • @InfiniteUniverse88
    @InfiniteUniverse88 Před 3 lety

    I wonder what's the shortest computer program than has this concept. 1. Control the center. 2. Whoever has the lower key node wins. A key node being defined as a move that wins on the spot as soon as the opponent plays below it. There might be a way to further reduce the size of the center problem. Generally, I prefer horizontal lines over diagonal. The lower the better. The logic being, go for the lines that can be obtained first. The lower the key node, the better.

    • @danmcgoogleaccount6954
      @danmcgoogleaccount6954 Před rokem

      "whoever has the lowest key node wins" isn't true though. For instance, if the second player has a key node on row 3 and the first player has a key node on row 5 the first player has the win, since the node on row 3 is useless to the second player.
      It isn't even true if we restrict key nodes to odd rows for the first player and even for the second player. For instance, if the second player has a key node on row 2 and the first player has a key node on row 5 of a different column, the first player still has the win.
      It's only true when we consider compare key nodes (of relevant parity) in the same column, with all other columns filled.

  • @Sbanger58
    @Sbanger58 Před 3 lety

    Keith Galli ... Great Vid my friend. Dang!!! You're a Genius!!! Thanks for sharing ... LOL!!! If a World Championship for this game was held. I think you'd have a good chance to take it all.

  • @DynestiGTI
    @DynestiGTI Před 6 lety +1

    Would you say the game is fair for the person starting 1st or 2nd or is there some advantage?

    • @KeithGalli
      @KeithGalli  Před 6 lety +4

      Interesting question. So if someone was a perfect player they could always win if they started 1st (see the Numberphile video on connect 4 for more information on this). In practice, however, we are generally far from perfect and I personally think it is easier to win as the 2nd player to move. I think it is easier to set up wins on the 2nd and 4th rows as opposed to the 3rd and 5th rows.

    • @anthonydargan1459
      @anthonydargan1459 Před 6 lety +2

      Keith Galli player 1 has advantage

    • @KeithGalli
      @KeithGalli  Před 6 lety +1

      Anthony Dargan yea I mentioned in my reply that the 1st player has the technical advantage, I just personally think it's easier winning as the 2nd player based on the average skill of competition

    • @aajjeee
      @aajjeee Před 6 lety +1

      Keith Galli i tought you could always force a tie at least

    • @anthonydargan1459
      @anthonydargan1459 Před 6 lety +1

      Barnesrino Kripperino I can show y’all how to win as first just about every time lol

  • @deltreseshabattawowowwwow6825

    My dream car is an Elmo van

  • @isaiahamerica2245
    @isaiahamerica2245 Před 2 lety +1

    I’m here to get revenge on Becca 😈

  • @deltreseshabattawowowwwow6825

    Shabattawowowow

  • @nanafritz7242
    @nanafritz7242 Před 6 lety +2

    Grover eats chocolate. ALL THE CHOCOLATE

  • @fcruz43215
    @fcruz43215 Před 2 lety

    Cool

  • @tomhinds14
    @tomhinds14 Před 6 měsíci

    Why would there be an empty column?

    • @KeithGalli
      @KeithGalli  Před 6 měsíci +1

      There's usually one column someone will avoid dropping pieces in because if they did it would guarantee the opposing player a win. With this strategy we are setting this up to be in our favor.

  • @jesstheawfullyhideousmess4922

    It's midnight why am I watching this

  • @zenodarbock7167
    @zenodarbock7167 Před 7 měsíci

    I’m watching this because we have a contest tomorrow

  • @deltreseshabattawowowwwow6825

    Kith u famus

  • @shoarmapapa476
    @shoarmapapa476 Před 2 lety +4

    Another tip, try to make a 7 shape
    Like this: 0 0 0
    0
    0
    In this way you will always have two rows of three stacked on each other.

  • @damonanderson2904
    @damonanderson2904 Před 7 měsíci

    I’m totally going to win against my uncle 🎉😊

  • @Platypus_King24
    @Platypus_King24 Před rokem

    I’ve never beat my dad before. Today’s the day

  • @ThereIsOnlyHell
    @ThereIsOnlyHell Před rokem

    *Laughs in already nigh impossible to beat at Connect 4*

  • @deltreseshabattawowowwwow6825

    Shamisha

  • @Mrbykynjoku
    @Mrbykynjoku Před 9 měsíci

    My 8 years old nephew about to get barbecued! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

  • @mr.cheeseweenie6947
    @mr.cheeseweenie6947 Před 4 lety +5

    u should bring this to vegas and make the mulah

  • @24magiccarrot
    @24magiccarrot Před 3 lety +2

    Chuck Norris can win connect 4 in 3 moves.

  • @-Creepy._.Moon-
    @-Creepy._.Moon- Před 2 měsíci +1

    Wait wait wait... THERES MATH!?

  • @leftfist3085
    @leftfist3085 Před 2 lety

    does this barely work for anyone else?

  • @neokorteks2009
    @neokorteks2009 Před rokem

    4 in a line

  • @luvdyl4n10
    @luvdyl4n10 Před 2 lety

    I’m absolutely shit at connect four like literally

  • @quintuplify05
    @quintuplify05 Před rokem

    2:43 even

  • @ajaykushwah6970
    @ajaykushwah6970 Před 10 měsíci

    Lotus 365 casino game use

  • @Shaggy576
    @Shaggy576 Před 2 lety

    The difference is you are playing against your self like people are going to actually on do that

  • @Drewsroofingandhomerepair

    I need help that’s for sure my grandkids kick my you know what every night with the stinking game. The funny thing is it takes me forever to make a move and as soon as I drop my piece he drops his. Apparently he’s watching your videos I just started watching them. I’m going to beat this kid yet. He thinks he’s the champ at grandpa’s house 🏡

  • @theospencerr
    @theospencerr Před 3 lety

    My coworkers are gonna hate me

  • @fsasc7179
    @fsasc7179 Před rokem

    God loves you get too know him before it's too late ❤️❤️❤️

  • @rlstine4982
    @rlstine4982 Před 7 měsíci

    Me playing Connect 4 with girls in thai bars after watching that video: "you made me rich".