Connect 4 is a well known vertical 'checkers' (it is more akin to Tic Tac Toe or Go Moku).The board is placed in stands to hold it vertically and the players drop checkers into 7 slots until one player succeeds in getting 4 in a row--horizontally, vertically or diagonally.The game is actually non-proprietary and nice versions can be found under the name 'The Captain's Mistress'. - BoardGameGeek