How to Play Sprouts: A Pen and Paper Strategy Game

Sprouts is a quick-thinking game that requires only pen and paper. Learn how to play this game in just a few simple steps.

Number of players2
Game length5 minutes
Game difficultyEasy
What you need to playPen and paper

Object of the game

Be the last player to be able to make a move.

Setting up the game

Draw a few spots (between 3 and 9) on the paper before starting the game.

Playing the game

  1. Players take turns drawing a line between two spots or from a spot to itself.

  2. After drawing a line, the player must draw a new spot along the line they just drew. Lines cannot cross each other or any other line.

  3. Spots cannot have more than three lines attached to them. A spot connected to itself counts as two lines attached. A new spot drawn on a line also counts as two lines attached.

Winning the game

The player who makes the last move is the winner.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good strategy for playing Sprouts?

The key to winning Sprouts is strategic planning. Players should aim to limit their opponent’s options while preserving their own. It’s important to visualize how the game will progress and anticipate your opponent’s moves.


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