COMPARE
VS
★ SPLENDOR WINS
CONNECT FOUR VS SPLENDOR
2
PLAYERS
2–4
5–15 min
PLAY TIME
30–45 min
6+
AGE
10+
1.0 / 5
COMPLEXITY
1.8 / 5
Howard Wexler
DESIGNER
Marc André
1974
YEAR
2014
6.7 / 10
COMMUNITY SCORE
8.6 / 10
CONNECT FOUR VERDICT
Solved by computer in 1988 — first player always wins with perfect play. Still a wonderful first strategy game for kids, terrible for adults who know the centre-column rule.
SPLENDOR VERDICT
The gateway Euro that converts more board-game-curious people than any other game. Almost mandatory on a shelf if you ever introduce new players.
CONNECT FOUR
✓ PROS
- Teaches 2D pattern recognition under a 60-second teach
- Travel-friendly versions exist (peg-board, magnetic)
- Genuine 'aha' moment for kids when they spot a fork
- Quick enough to play 5 games in 30 minutes
✗ CONS
- First-player advantage is overwhelming if both players know the centre rule
- Game is mathematically solved — no remaining strategic depth for adults
- Stalemates happen when both players know optimal defence
SPLENDOR
✓ PROS
- Five-minute teach, real depth on first play
- Engine-builder satisfaction in a 30-minute envelope
- Plays well at 2 and 4 in different ways
- Beautiful chunky gem tokens — table presence is high
✗ CONS
- Optimal play converges on similar strategies
- Random card flips can swing a tight endgame
- Lacks narrative — pure abstract engine-building
★ WHICH ONE FOR YOU?
- SPLENDORHigher overall score (8.6/10 vs 6.7/10)
- CONNECT FOURShorter session (5–15 min vs 30–45 min)
- CONNECT FOUREasier to teach — complexity 1.0 vs 1.8 (SPLENDOR is heavier)
- SPLENDORMore strategic depth — complexity 1.8 vs 1.0
- SPLENDORScales to more players (2–4 vs 2)
- SPLENDORMore modern design (2014 vs 1974)
