How to play Triangles
A practical guide to the objective, legal flow, and decisions that matter in this playable version.
Objective
Triangles is a connection game. Players join two dots with a straight line that neither crosses an existing line nor passes through another dot. Completing a triangle with no dot inside earns one point. When no legal line remains, the higher score wins; equal scores are a draw.
How a turn works
Select a starting dot, then a highlighted legal endpoint. Lines may share endpoints and need not connect the nearest dots. Each newly completed empty three-sided triangle scores for the player drawing its final edge. Turns always alternate, including after a scoring move; scoring does not earn an extra turn.
Strategy that changes the outcome
Count the empty triangles a proposed line completes, then inspect the computer’s next legal reply. A shared edge can close two triangles at once. Since play passes after every move, compare points gained now with the immediate scoring chance you leave behind.
First decision: A line can complete more than one region, so inspect the endpoints and the opponent’s immediate scoring reply.
A common mistake to avoid
A large outline containing another dot does not score, even if all three sides have been drawn. Nor does completing a triangle let you draw again before the computer. Check the empty interior and the next turn separately.
Three useful table habits
- Check both sides of a proposed shared edge for scoring opportunities.
- Avoid supplying the second side of a triangle the opponent can close next.
- Use the highlighted endpoints to check crossing and intervening-dot restrictions.
A question players ask
Can one line score more than one triangle?
Yes. A shared line can finish two empty triangles, earning a point for each. Each must have all three sides and no dot inside. The turn still passes to the other player after scoring.
About this guide
We compare the rules shown in the game with the implemented legal moves, complete representative deals, and review desktop and mobile presentation. If a house rule changes play, the in-game How to play panel takes precedence. Read How games are researched and tested.