Section 6: Scoring
Elimination-Based Format
Traditional Four Square does not use a point-based scoring system. The game is elimination-based: players are either in the game or out. The goal is to reach and maintain the King position for as many consecutive rounds as possible. There is no defined endpoint to a game of Four Square; play continues as long as players are willing to participate.
Advancement Through Squares
Players advance by surviving rounds and moving into higher-numbered squares as other players are eliminated. Each successful round where a higher-ranked player is eliminated moves the surviving lower-ranked players up one position. Reaching King is a significant achievement, and defending the King position against challengers is the ultimate measure of skill.
King Retention Streaks
In competitive and organized play, a player's "King streak" (the number of consecutive rounds they maintain the King position) is the primary measure of performance. A player who defends the King position for 10 consecutive rounds has achieved a 10-round streak. Tournament formats may use King streaks to determine rankings or seed players in brackets.
Competitive Scoring Variants
Some organized leagues and tournaments use modified scoring systems:
- Point accumulation: Players earn points based on their square position at the end of each round (4 points for King, 3 for Queen, 2 for Jack, 1 for Peasant, 0 for eliminated). Points are tallied over a set number of rounds
- Time-based King: The player who holds the King position for the most total time during a timed session wins
- Elimination count: Players are ranked by the number of opponents they personally eliminate over a series of rounds
- Round robin: Multiple games are played with rotating groups, and players are ranked by aggregate performance across all games
Tournament Formats
Tournament play may use single-elimination brackets, double-elimination brackets, or pool play followed by knockout rounds. In pool play, groups of 6-8 players play Four Square for a set number of rounds, with the top performers advancing to the next stage. Finals are typically played as a single extended game where the last King standing wins.