I'm Hernandez Leon, a 1999 Four-time World Champion Dots and Boxes player, now I spend my time teaching fools how to spray pre and play effectively.

Dots and Boxes is a game that has been enjoyed by people of all ages for generations. The game is simple to understand but can be quite complex to master. The objective of the game is to have more boxes on the board than your opponent. Each player takes turns drawing lines between dots on the board until they form a box. Once a player has formed a box, they write their initial inside the box and get to take another turn. The game continues until all the boxes have been filled in, and the player with the most boxes wins. Here is a long and complicated strategy that can help you master this game.

1. Start with the middle dots:

One of the most important strategies in Dots and Boxes is to start with the middle dots. These dots are the most central points on the board and can provide you with the greatest number of opportunities to form boxes. If you start by connecting the middle dots, you can quickly gain control of the board and limit your opponent's options.

2. Watch your opponent's moves:

It is essential to keep a close eye on your opponent's moves. You need to anticipate their next move so that you can counter it or take advantage of it. If you see that your opponent is about to form a box, you can draw a line to prevent them from completing it. Alternatively, if your opponent is leaving themselves open to having boxes formed against them, you can take advantage of this and start forming boxes on your turn.

3. Forming Vs. Preventing boxes:

Another critical strategy in Dots and Boxes is to decide whether you want to form boxes or prevent your opponent from forming them. If you focus on forming boxes, you may end up leaving yourself open to having boxes formed against you. On the other hand, if you focus on preventing your opponent from forming boxes, you may not have enough opportunities to form boxes of your own. Therefore, it is crucial to find the right balance between these two strategies.

4. Create false opportunities:

One way to gain an advantage over your opponent is to create false opportunities. You can draw lines that look like they will form a box but actually leave your opponent with no choice but to connect the dots in a way that benefits you. For example, if you draw a line that looks like it will form a box but requires your opponent to connect another dot that will give you control of the board, you can trick your opponent into making a move that benefits you.

5. Think ahead:

Dots and Boxes is a game of strategy, and it requires you to think several moves ahead. You need to anticipate your opponent's moves and plan your own moves accordingly. If you can predict your opponent's next move, you can take advantage of their mistakes and gain control of the board. Similarly, if you can plan your moves several turns ahead, you can create opportunities for yourself to form boxes and gain an advantage over your opponent.

6. Play the long game:

It is important to remember that Dots and Boxes is a game of patience. It can be tempting to rush and try to form as many boxes as possible, but this can often lead to mistakes and missed opportunities. Instead, you should focus on playing the long game. Take your time, think ahead, and make strategic moves that will help you gain control of the board and ultimately win the game.

7. Control the corners:

In Dots and Boxes, the corners of the board are the most critical areas to control. By controlling the corners, you can limit your opponent's opportunities to form boxes and create more opportunities for yourself. Therefore, it is essential to focus on connecting the dots around the corners of the board to gain control of them.

8. Look for patterns:

As you play Dots and Boxes, you will start to notice patterns in your opponent's moves. For example, your opponent may always start by connecting the dots on one side of the board, or they may always draw lines that create false opportunities. By identifying these patterns, you can anticipate your opponent's moves and take advantage of their weaknesses.

9. Take risks:

Dots and Boxes is a game that requires you to take risks to win. If you play too cautiously, you may miss opportunities to form boxes and gain an advantage over your opponent. Therefore, it is important to take calculated risks and draw lines that may seem risky but can pay off in the long run.

10. Keep track of the score:

Finally, it is crucial to keep track of the score throughout the game. By knowing the score, you can adjust your strategy and focus on areas of the board where you need to form boxes to catch up with your opponent. Additionally, keeping track of the score can help you make more informed decisions about whether to form boxes or prevent your opponent from forming them.

In summary, mastering Dots and Boxes requires a combination of strategic thinking, pattern recognition, risk-taking, and scorekeeping. By using these strategies, you can gain an advantage over your opponent, control the corners of the board, identify patterns in your opponent's moves, take risks, and keep track of the score. With practice, patience, and a little bit of luck, you can become a master of Dots and Boxes and enjoy hours of strategic fun.