Section 3: Playing Area
Court Dimensions
The standard Four Square court is a 16-foot by 16-foot (4.9 m x 4.9 m) square divided into four equal quadrants, each measuring 8 feet by 8 feet (2.4 m x 2.4 m). For younger players, courts may be reduced to 12 feet by 12 feet (3.7 m x 3.7 m) with 6-foot quadrants. Competitive tournaments typically use the full 16-foot standard.
Court Layout
The court is divided by two perpendicular lines that bisect the square, creating four equal quadrants. When facing the court, the squares are arranged as follows:
- Square 4 (King): Top-right quadrant. This is the highest-ranked position and the serving square
- Square 3 (Queen): Top-left quadrant. The second-highest position
- Square 2 (Jack): Bottom-left quadrant. The third-ranked position
- Square 1 (Peasant / Dunce / Ace): Bottom-right quadrant. The lowest-ranked position and the entry square for new players
Note: Square numbering and naming conventions vary by region. Some variations number the King's square as 1 (highest) rather than 4. The rules in this document use the most common convention where Square 4 is King.
Lines
- Outside boundary lines: The outer perimeter of the 16x16 foot court. Balls landing outside these lines are out of bounds
- Inside dividing lines: The two lines that divide the court into quadrants. These lines belong to the lower-numbered square in most rulesets
- Line width: Lines should be 1-2 inches wide. In competitive play, lines are considered part of the court
The Serving Area
The King serves from within their square (Square 4). The ball must be served diagonally to Square 1 (Peasant). Some variations allow the King to serve to any square. The serve must be initiated from behind the back line of the King's square or from within the square, depending on the house rules in effect.
Waiting Area
Players waiting to enter the game should line up in an orderly queue adjacent to Square 1. The waiting area should be at least 6 feet from the court boundary to avoid interference with active play. The first player in line enters the game when a player is eliminated.
Surrounding Space
A minimum of 6 feet (1.8 m) of clear space should surround all sides of the court. This buffer zone allows players to chase errant balls and prevents collisions with walls, fences, or other obstacles. Indoor courts should be at least 10 feet from walls on all sides.