Four Square
Synopsis
Headline: Two players tried to win by scoring as many points as possible.
The first round was Pair the Squares, i.e. the old pelmanism game. There was a 6 x 6 grid of squares with symbols behind them. A contestant picked four of them. If any matched they turned their colour and they could choose two more. If none matched then their opponent got a go. It was 2 points for a match but a bonus 4 points if they could get four squares of their colour so they themselves formed a square. Four Square, see? This would continue for a while.
Pick a picture
Round two was the Picture question round. Again, contestants took it in turns to pick single squares and behind each one was a picture and a question. If they got it correct they earn points and the square turns their colour. If they get it wrong then their opponents get the square. Just to add some extra spice, seven squares were 'Gremlins', giant smiley faces (maybe the producer was on something). These squares would automatically turn their opponents colour.
The Maze (no, not crystal)
After this was The Maze: Each contestant was given 60 seconds in order to negotiate it. They were represented as a moving arrow. There were junction points during the Maze and they were reached every five seconds. John would read out a statement and the contestant would hit a 'True' or 'False' button in front of them. If they were correct then their little arrow went the right way and if they got it wrong it would go up a dead end. This round is noticeable for the excellent music that went with it during the game and it was worth watching the programme for this alone.
The final round would be a return to the "Pair the Squares" board and was played until the end of the show.
Four Square was an affable little show which brighten up many a dull lunchtime, arguably BBC Elstree in its golden age.
Key moments
John Sachs reading the scores out. Every two minutes.
Inventor
Toby Freeman
Theme music
The theme was writted by Ian McKim, who writes to UKGameshow Towers thus:
"I have only now found your site, and, as the composer of the theme and incidental music for all the series of programmes, thank you for the complimentary entry re: the maze theme. It was a difficult one to write to the exact time & to sound as intense and hurried as the producer Dave Ross wanted it.
"The music was recorded at Toad Hall Studios (now closed) in the south side of Glasgow. The original presenter was Michael Groth when it was filmed at BBC Birmingham initially, before it moved to Elstree. I think my name appeared in various forms on the credits."
Catchphrases
"And that's Four Square!"
"Pull up a chair for a game of Four Square."
Trivia
It seems a little known fact that there was another incarnation of Four Square before John Sachs did it. Two people attempted to make a square on a huge board by answering questions. If they got it right, they could turn it their colour. If wrong, they didn't. Whoever won went through to The Maze where if they won they won and if they didn't they didn't. It was hosted by Michael Groth.
There really is a game called Four Square. Check out Wikipedia for details.
