Dots and Boxes: The Classic Paper-and-Pencil Game for All Ages

The game of Dots and Boxes has a special place in my heart. I remember playing this game with my dad when I was a kid. Any time my brother and I complained about how bored we were, we knew our dad would bring this game out for us to play. And I get it—it’s a simple game that doesn’t require much but a piece of paper and a pen or pencil.

So it’s no wonder he would have us play. But enough of that; it’s a game of strategy and fun for any age. So, if you need to keep kids busy for some time, consider grabbing this printable next time.

What is Dots and Boxes

Dots and Boxes is a simple yet fun game that’s perfect for kids and adults. It starts with a grid of dots, and players take turns drawing one line between two adjacent dots. The goal? To complete a box. When you finish a box, you get to claim it as yours by writing your initial inside. The player with the most boxes at the end wins. It’s a great mix of strategy and a little luck, which makes it a perfect game to pass the time.

How to Play Dots and Boxes

Playing Dots and Boxes is simple. Start with a grid of dots—don’t worry, I’ve got a printable ready for you. Take turns drawing a single line between two dots. If you complete a box, write your initial inside and take another turn. Keep going until all the boxes are filled.

I’ve also included a version with a 2x—if you complete a box with that inside, you earn double points. The player with the most completed boxes wins. It’s a simple game, but once you start playing, you’ll realize there’s a bit of strategy involved in deciding where to place your lines.

Supplies Needed to Play

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information.

You don’t need much to play Dots and Boxes, which is why it’s a great game on the go. It’s a low-prep game that’s perfect for any occasion. All you need is the printable and a few other optional items:

The printable game
Pens or pencils
Optional dry-erase markers
Optional dry-erase pocket sleeves are great if you do not have the option to laminate them and you would like to reuse the printable.
Optional laminating machine

You can also laminate these yourself at home, and if you do not have one, I’ve included a laminating machine, which is a good option. The best part of doing that is that you can reuse this printable multiple times. If that is the case, make sure to have some dry-erase markers on hand.

If you decide to laminate this printable, you can hole punch it and add it to a binder with other fun printable activities.

Looking for more game printables? Take a look at these:

Download the Printable Game

For this printable, I’ve made three different ones. One has a big grid, another has four grids with the 2x, and the last one has nine smaller grids without the 2xs. Pick and choose what you’d like, or download all three. To download the printable, click the PDF link below and let the fun begin. This printable is meant to be printed on 8.5 x 11 paper.

This printable is for personal and classroom use only. Feel free to print as many copies as you’d like, but please don’t share or sell the files. If someone else wants a copy, send them to this post to download it. Thanks for your support!

Get your copy of the printables here:

Let me know what you think of this printable. If you enjoyed it, drop a comment below—I always love hearing your thoughts!