Connect Four was mathematically solved in 1988. The conclusion: with perfect play from both sides, the first player always wins, and the winning strategy starts by dropping the opening disc in the centre column.
The reason Connect Four still has value is that kids learn pattern recognition from it. A 7-year-old who can spot a horizontal three-in-a-row and block it has just internalised threat evaluation, which transfers to Chess, Othello, and Gomoku.
For adults wanting the Connect Four feel with actual depth, Gomoku (five in a row on a 15x15 board, no gravity) is the natural upgrade.
