Your first move in Connect Four is the most important decision of the game. It determines the theoretical outcome before a single response is played.
Connect Four was solved by Victor Allis in 1988, and later independently by James Allen. The solution proved that the first player can force a win, but only from one specific column. Every other starting column either draws or loses outright. This database breaks down all seven opening columns with engine evaluations, key ideas, and links to deep analysis.
Overview - All 7 Opening Columns
| First Move (Column) | Opening Name | Result with Perfect Play | Engine Eval |
|---|---|---|---|
| Column 4 (center) | The Center Opening | First player wins | +1 |
| Column 3 | The Left-Center Opening | Draw | 0 |
| Column 5 | The Right-Center Opening | Draw | 0 |
| Column 2 | The Left-Inner Opening | Second player wins | -1 |
| Column 6 | The Right-Inner Opening | Second player wins | -1 |
| Column 1 | The Far-Left Opening | Second player wins | -2 |
| Column 7 | The Far-Right Opening | Second player wins | -2 |
The pattern is clear. The closer your first move is to the center, the better your position. Column 4 wins. Columns 3 and 5 draw. Everything else loses.
Opening Cards
COLUMN 4
The Center Opening
First player wins (+1)
The only winning first move. The center column intersects more potential lines than any other position on the board.
COLUMN 3
The Left-Center Opening
Draw (0)
The strongest alternative to center. Fights for central influence from the left side while keeping drawing chances alive.
COLUMN 5
The Right-Center Opening
Draw (0)
Mirror of column 3. Equal drawing chances from the right side of center. A solid, defensible choice for the first player.
COLUMN 2
The Left-Inner Opening
Second player wins (-1)
Too far from center to maintain control. The second player can seize the middle and convert the positional advantage.
COLUMN 6
The Right-Inner Opening
Second player wins (-1)
Mirror of column 2. Cedes the center and gives the second player a path to a forced win with precise play.
COLUMN 1
The Far-Left Opening
Second player wins (-2)
The worst possible start. Maximum distance from center means the second player wins even faster than with column 2 or 6.
COLUMN 7
The Far-Right Opening
Second player wins (-2)
Mirror of column 1. The other worst opening. Playing on the far edge gives your opponent total control of the center.
How to Use This Database
This database is your reference for understanding every possible start to a Connect Four game. Here is how to get the most out of it.
Study your favorite openings. Click any card above to read a detailed breakdown of that column. Each article includes engine evaluations, example sequences with replay widgets, key tactical ideas, and common traps.
Practice against the engine. Head to the engine page and play games starting from each column. Watch how the engine responds. Pay attention to which columns it prioritizes and where it builds threats.
Build a repertoire. You don't need to memorize every line. Focus on the center opening for when you play first, and learn how to respond to each opening as the second player. That knowledge alone will put you ahead of most opponents.
Go deeper on strategy. For general opening principles beyond specific columns, read our opening strategy guide. It covers the foundational ideas that apply across all openings, like center control, vertical stacking, and threat creation.
Next Steps
For general opening principles, read our opening strategy guide.
Ready to put this knowledge into practice? Play against the engine and test these openings in real games. Or jump into a ranked match and see how your opponents handle your prepared lines.