Same Four is a two-player board game similar to tic-tac-toe. During the game, the two players take turns handing each other game pieces, which the receiving player then freely places on the 4×4 board during their turn. The goal is to be the first to create a row, column, or diagonal containing four pieces with the same property (for example, shape, colour, size, or hole pattern) in a line. If the board fills up without either player achieving this, the game ends in a draw.
Skill focus
Primary Skill Focus
- Flexibility
Complementary/Secondary Skill Focus
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Resilience
- Emotional awareness (emotional regulation and communication)
| Age group | Student number | Duration |
| 6 + | 2 children | 15 minutes |
How to play – brief game rules
- Each pair receives an empty 4×4 board and a set of game pieces, which are placed next to the board.
- One player selects a piece from their own set and hands it to their opponent.
- The receiving player places the given piece on an empty spot on the board, where it cannot be moved afterward.
- Then, the player who just placed a piece selects a new piece and hands it to the other player. Players continue alternating handing over and placing pieces.
- The goal is to be the first to form a row, column, or diagonal of four pieces sharing the same property.
- If the board fills up with no winner, the game ends in a draw.