# Score Four

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 1967
- **BGG Rating**: 6.0
- **BGG Rank**: #9413
- **Players**: 2-4 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 30 min
- **Weight**: 1.78 / 5
- **Designers**: A. P. Nienstaedt, H. Heller
- **Artists**: Manfred Burggraf
- **Publishers**: (Unknown), 1-2-3-Games Éditions, Action GT, Andres i Andreu Produccions, S.C.P. (Andreu Toys), Bartl, Brain Games Germany, Dal Negro, Dilemma Games, F. W. Woolworth Company, Funtastic, Giseh Verlag, HABA, Hanayama, Hasbro, Hatley Products, Hilco Corporation, IKEA, Jensen, John Jaques of London, Lakeside, MB Spellen, Mester, Milton Bradley, Nathan, Otto Maier Verlag, Pelikan, Philos, Pressman Toy Corp., RCR Terry GmbH, Square Root Games, Tac-Mot, Tader Products, Taş Devrı Oyuncak, Toltoys, Top-Toy, Tri-ang, VEB Thüringer Schmuck Waltershausen, Woodstock Spiele
- **Categories**: Abstract Strategy
- **Mechanics**: Pattern Building, Pattern Recognition, Tile Placement

## Verdict
If you love 3D line‑making and a quick strategic bite, Score Four gives you exactly that.Pure, deep strategyShort playtimeSimple, sturdy components3D learning curveVariant rules may confuseRECOMMENDED

## Description
Score Four is a 1960s classic that puts your mind into three‑dimensional "four‑in‑a‑row" mode. Each player controls a set of colored marbles and aims to line up four of the same color in a straight line, whether on the same level, diagonally, or spanning different layers of the 4 × 4 × 4 board. The board offers 64 holes arranged in four tiers, and marbles are dropped into pins, stacking like a zero‑gravity puzzle. A typical game lasts about 30 minutes, during which you’ll build and block numerous lines, feeling the tension with every move. The basic rules are straightforward, yet there are variants that add depth – for instance, using all marbles of each color and awarding the player with the most four‑in‑a‑row lines at the end, or allowing you to capture an opponent’s marble when you complete a line. These options give the game replay value without overcomplicating it. With virtually no cards or dice, luck barely matters; success hinges on pattern recognition and forward planning. The minimalist design – just a 3D board and marbles – makes set‑up and transport a breeze, perfect for quick sessions at home or on the road. While highly accessible, the strategic depth can surprise even seasoned gamers, who soon think in three dimensions simultaneously. Score Four inspired many clones such as Qubic and Eternas, but the original Lakeside edition retains the charm of being the genre’s pioneer. If you enjoy alignment games, spatial puzzles, or simply a compact mental challenge, this title is a solid pick. Its light weight (1.8/5) and strong ratings in Brazilian circles (7 on Ludopedia) prove it remains relevant after more than half a century.

## FAQ
### How many players can play?
2 to 4 players, great for intense duels or small group sessions.

### How long does a game take?
About 30 minutes, varying with player count and rule variants.

### What is the game's complexity?
Weight 1.8/5 – simple rules but requires 3D thinking and pattern recognition.

### What components are included?
A 4 × 4 × 4 board with pins, colored marbles for each player, and a rule booklet.

### Who is Score Four best suited for?
Fans of abstract games, spatial puzzles, and anyone looking for a compact mental challenge.