Color method AC is a fun and creative way to play connect four that adds an extra element of strategy. In regular connect four, players take turns dropping discs into a grid, attempting to get four in a row horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. With color method AC, players assign certain moves to certain colors, adding a whole new layer of complexity.
What is Color Method AC?
Color method AC is a variation of connect four that uses colored discs and assigns moves to each color. For example, red discs may only be played in even numbered columns, while blue discs can only be played in odd numbered columns. This forces players to think ahead and play strategically based on the colors remaining.
In addition to assigning columns, colors can also be assigned to other types of moves like:
- Playing on the outer columns vs inner columns
- Playing top vs bottom rows
- Playing offensively vs defensively
By assigning certain moves or strategies to certain colors, color method AC transforms the traditional game into one of strategy, planning, and advanced tactics.
Setting Up Color Method AC
To set up a game of color method AC, you need a standard connect four grid and a collection of colored discs. A grid can easily be made at home with some craft supplies, or you can purchase a pre-made grid.
Most color method AC games are played with red, blue, green, and yellow discs. You’ll need around 50 discs total, with 12-15 in each color. The exact number isn’t too important, as long as you have a good amount of each color.
Once you have your grid and discs ready, it’s time to assign moves!
Assigning Moves to Colors
The key to color method AC is deciding how to assign different moves, rows, or columns to each color disc. This is where you can get really creative and strategic!
Here are some common ways to assign moves:
| Color | Assigned Moves |
|---|---|
| Red | Can only be played in even columns |
| Blue | Can only be played in odd columns |
| Green | Must be played in the top 3 rows |
| Yellow | Must be played in the bottom 3 rows |
With these assignments, red discs could only be dropped into the 2nd, 4th, 6th, or 8th columns. Blue could go in the odd 1st, 3rd, 5th, or 7th columns. Greens could only be played in the top 3 rows while yellows are restricted to the bottom 3.
This forces strategic planning – you may have a red disc in hand but need to set up a blue move next, so you have to think ahead!
Gameplay and Rules
Once your moves are assigned to colors, gameplay can begin! To start, each player chooses a color to play as. For a 2 player game, one player takes red and blue, while the other takes green and yellow.
Players then take turns dropping discs into the grid, following the rules for each color:
- Reds can only go into even columns
- Blues can only go into odd columns
- Greens can only be played in the top 3 rows
- Yellows can only be played in the bottom 3 rows
The first player to get 4 of their discs in a row horizontally, vertically, or diagonally wins!
Here are some additional rules to keep in mind:
- Discs must be dropped into the top of the column and fall to the lowest available space
- Columns can only hold a certain number of discs (often 7)
- If a column is full, you cannot drop a disc in that column
- You must follow the color rules on every turn
With these basics, you’re ready to start playing! Be sure to think strategically about which color disc to use and where. Setting up sequences across colors will be key to winning.
Advanced Color Assignments
Once you master the basics, there are many ways to get creative with advanced color assignments!
Some ideas include:
- Offense vs defense – One color can only make offensive moves, the other defensive
- Outer columns vs inner columns
- Top half vs bottom half of grid
- Odd rows vs even rows
You can also assign certain colors to block or disrupt the other player. For example:
| Color | Assigned Moves |
|---|---|
| Red | Offensive – try to get 4 in a row |
| Blue | Defensive – try to block red |
| Green | Disruptive – break up any 3-in-a-rows |
| Yellow | Block blue from disrupting greens |
With assignments like these, you have to think on multiple levels and always be aware of what your opponent is trying to do. The strategy involved makes color method AC a far more complex version of connect four!
Conclusion
Color method AC takes connect four to the next level by assigning strategic moves to certain colors. This creates a game of advanced tactics and planning as players have to think moves ahead while balancing their available disc colors.
While the basics are easy to learn, there are endless possibilities when assigning colors for a true brain-burning challenge. Try out different assignments and start strategizing your way to color method AC victory!
