COMPARE
VS
★ WINGSPAN WINS
CONNECT FOUR VS WINGSPAN
2
PLAYERS
1–5
5–15 min
PLAY TIME
40–70 min
6+
AGE
10+
1.0 / 5
COMPLEXITY
2.4 / 5
Howard Wexler
DESIGNER
Elizabeth Hargrave
1974
YEAR
2019
6.7 / 10
COMMUNITY SCORE
9.2 / 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.
WINGSPAN VERDICT
A peaceful-looking engine builder with a fierce competitive edge. One of the only modern Euros that gets veterans and casuals to the same table.
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
WINGSPAN
✓ PROS
- Stunning bird illustrations and components
- Engine-building combos compound dramatically
- Excellent solo mode — rare for a card-driven Euro
- Oceania expansion's nectar smooths variance well
✗ CONS
- Card draw variance can decide games
- Grassland (eggs) is quietly dominant once you know
- Habitat balance has a steep learning curve
★ WHICH ONE FOR YOU?
- WINGSPANHigher overall score (9.2/10 vs 6.7/10)
- CONNECT FOURShorter session (5–15 min vs 40–70 min)
- CONNECT FOUREasier to teach — complexity 1.0 vs 2.4 (WINGSPAN is heavier)
- WINGSPANMore strategic depth — complexity 2.4 vs 1.0
- WINGSPANScales to more players (1–5 vs 2)
- WINGSPANPlays solo (no opponent needed)
- CONNECT FOURFamily-friendly — kids can play
- WINGSPANMore modern design (2019 vs 1974)
