---
name: "dab"
section: "6"
platform: "linux"
package: "bsd-games"
version: "3.3-3"
release: "Arch Linux 2026-11-01"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/dab"
---

# dab(6)

Dots and Boxes game

## NAME

**dab** – Dots and Boxes game

## SYNOPSIS

**dab** \[*level*\]

## DESCRIPTION

**dab** is a game where each player tries to complete the most boxes. A turn consists of putting one border of a box; the player setting the fourth and final border of a box gets the point for the box and has another turn.

The keys used are the vi keys: **k** for up, **j** for down, **h** for left, and **l** for right. ⟨**space**⟩ sets a new border, **q** quits the game.

Support option is: *level* sets the starting level.

## AUTHORS

Christos Zoulas ⟨christos@NetBSD.org⟩ Mike Sharov ⟨msharov@users.sourceforge.net⟩

## SEE ALSO

Elwyn R. Berlekamp, *The Dots and Boxes Game: Sophisticated Child's Play*, A K Peters, 2000, http://www.akpeters.com/book.asp?bID=111.