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Five in a Row Challenge
Suggested ages: 8–12; younger children may need a reader
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Instructions & usage
Five small moves. One big plan. Find a line before your rival closes the gap.
Five in a Row Challenge is a shared-sheet game for two players. A full board with no winning line is a draw.
Players: 2 · Time: about 15 minutes · Equipment: Pencils.
How to play
- Share one board. Player A uses X; player B uses O.
- Take turns marking any empty square. No gravity rule.
- First to make FIVE or more in a straight line wins.
- Lines may run across, down or diagonally.
- A full board with no winning line is a draw.
Example of a turn
Four X marks plus a fifth at one end makes a winning line.
Scoring and finishing
Lines may run across, down or diagonally. A full board with no winning line is a draw.
At home and in the classroom
Print one sheet per pair and agree who starts before playing. Read the example aloud, then let the pair check the printed rules when needed. Ask players to explain one choice they made. Taking turns and following a shared rule are part of the activity.
Try a variation
Swap starting players and play again.
Explore all one-sheet games & free packs →
What you’ll need
Pencils
Make the most of it
Four X marks plus a fifth at one end makes a winning line.
Printing tips
Check the file’s paper size and print one test page. Choose “fit” if edges are clipped.
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