Score Four
Score Four Rulebook
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
The Object
To be the first player to score four straight lines of beads.
To Start
Insert the pins in the holes in the board. Store the beads in the tray surrounding the board.
Choose bead colors and select the starting player.
The Play
On your turn, place one of your beads on a pin. A level or pin does not have to be filled before moving to another level or pin.
To Score
You score by placing 4 beads of your color in a straight line horizontally, vertically, or diagonally (see Fig. 1). When you complete your first straight line, call out "Score One". At your second straight line, call out "Score Two" and so on.
To Win
You must complete four straight lines of beads.
Note: If all beads have been placed and neither player has scored four, the player with the most straight lines wins.
Note
You must place the bead and then call out the score. If you find an unnoticed line of beads, you must wait until your next turn to score with it.
Strategy
Attempt to get 3 in a row in two directions at once. Then, even when your opponent blocks one, you still score.
Check your moves to reduce the possibility that your bead will enable your opponent to score.
Variations
Partnership Play (for 4 players)
Partners sit opposite each other each pair playing their own color. Play moves to the left. Partners cannot coach each other. Play and score as above.
Alternate Game 1
Continue play until all beads have been placed. Each player or team scores 1 for each winning line. High score wins the game.
Alternate Game 2
Play as in Standard Game, but you must inform your opponent any time you have 3 in a row.