Section 4: Players & Officials
Active Players
Four Square requires exactly four active players at any time, one occupying each quadrant of the court. Players are ranked by their square number, with the King (Square 4) holding the highest rank and the Peasant (Square 1) holding the lowest.
The Queue
Any number of additional players may wait in a queue (also called "the line" or "the bench") adjacent to Square 1. When a player is eliminated from the court, they go to the back of the queue, all remaining players advance one square, and the first player in the queue enters Square 1. This rotation system ensures continuous play and equal participation.
Player Roles
- King (Square 4): The highest-ranked player. The King serves the ball and, in many rulesets, has the privilege of declaring special rules for the round. Retaining the King position through multiple rounds is the primary objective
- Queen (Square 3): The second-ranked player. The Queen is one elimination away from becoming King and often plays conservatively to protect their position
- Jack (Square 2): The third-ranked player. Jacks are mid-tier and typically play aggressively to advance while avoiding elimination
- Peasant (Square 1): The lowest-ranked active player and the entry position for players joining from the queue. Peasants receive the King's serve
Rotation System
When a player is eliminated, all players in lower-numbered squares advance one position. For example, if the Queen (Square 3) is eliminated, the Jack moves to Square 3 and the Peasant moves to Square 2. The next player in the queue enters Square 1. If the King is eliminated, all three remaining players advance one square.
Referee (Optional)
Casual games are typically self-officiated, with disputes resolved by consensus or by the King's ruling. In organized or competitive play, a designated referee may be used to make line calls, rule on disputed plays, and enforce the rules. The referee stands outside the court with a clear view of all four squares. In tournament settings, two referees may be used, positioned at opposite corners of the court.
Scorekeeper (Optional)
In competitive formats, a scorekeeper may track King retention streaks, individual win records, and elimination statistics. This role is unnecessary for casual play.