As a kid, I loved playing the game Dots and Boxes with my dad. It was a fun and creative way to pass the time while also exercising my problem solving skills. Little did I know, this classic paper-and-pencil game has been around since the 19th century – and you can still play it today! If you’re looking for a simple but fun game for your children to play that can also provide a great learning experience, look no further. I have created a set of 30 different gids with theme-based Dots and Boxes printables designed to be printed out and used at home.
What is Dots and Boxes?
Dots and Boxes is a paper-and-pencil game that has been around for over 100 years. It’s a two-player game that consists of a grid of dots. The goal of the game is to connect the dots to create squares.
Benefits of Playing Dots and Boxes
Playing Dots and Boxes can be a great way for kids to practice problem solving skills, critical thinking, strategic planning, hand-eye coordination, and logical reasoning. It is also a lot of fun! Plus it doesn’t require any special equipment or knowledge – just paper and a pencil.
How to Play
To play Dots and Boxes, you need to print out a grid of dots (download our set of grids below). Then, each player takes turns marking off a line between two adjacent dots.
If a player completes a square, they write their initial inside the square and take another turn. The game ends when all the dots are connected, and the player with the most squares wins.
Tips and Tricks
To win at Dots and Boxes, you need to use some strategies. Here are a few tips to help you:
- Don’t give away easy squares – if you see a square that only needs one more line to complete, be cautious before making your move.
- Force your opponent into bad moves – if you can force your opponent into completing a square that benefits you, do it.
- Don’t get greedy – sometimes, it’s better to let your opponent complete a square if it means you’ll have a better opportunity to complete more squares later on.
Ways to use these themed Dots an Boxes Game Printables
I have created different themes with birthday parties in mind but there are many ways to use these printables. Here are a few of my favorite:
- Use them for a night of family fun.
- Bring them on trips to keep the kids entertained.
- Give them out as party favors at birthday parties or school events.
- Include in your homeschooling lessons or activities.
- Use them for scouting projects or badges.
- Have a competition between friends or family and make a prize for the winner.
- Use them as incentives in classrooms or after school programs.
Download Your Dots and Boxes Grids
Ready to play? Download our printable grids and start playing Dots and Boxes today! I have created 26 different themed grids which include:
- Princess
- Mermaid
- Unicom
- Monster
- Circus
- Seasons – Winter, Fall, Spring, Summer
- Holidays – Halloween, Easter, Thanksgiving, Valentines, Christmas
- Food
- and More!
These printables are for personal use only for your home, classroom, or public library. All of these free printable vegetable flashcards are for non-commercial use. See full disclosure.
Dots and Boxes is a simple yet challenging game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s a great way to practice problem solving, strategizing, and hand-eye coordination skills – it also helps build logical reasoning skills. Whether you’re playing with friends or family, Dots and Boxes is sure to give you hours of fun and entertainment. So give it a try! Download our set of grids and start playing today!