Connect Four
Answer: DISCINSTALLATION
Kevin Zhou (Kaz), Ryan Judge

First, we are presented with a crossword, where words cannot cross the bolded bars. The crossword is a rebus crossword, which means you can write multiple letters in some squares. In this puzzle, some squares contain four letters, in accordance with the Connect Four theme. Here is the solution to the crossword:

DISC
U
S
INST
A
N
T
O
RANG
E
I
SCAL
A
R
D
O
D
G
E
D
E
A
S
I
A
N
ALLA
N
R
A
TION
T
E
S
T
K
GENT
L
E
B
X
A

Now, let's look at the Connect Four grids. Here are diagrams explaining the solutions. Each diagram is annotated with numbers, that show the order of moves played if both players play optimally.

In the first position, red puts yellow into Zugzwang by placing a disc in the top left. Then if yellow places a disc in the 2nd column as shown below, red wins on the next move. A similar result happens if yellow places a disc in the 6th column.

In the second position, red does two threats at once by putting a disc in the 4th column. Yellow must allow a diagonal victory from red, either in the 1st or 7th column.

In the third position, red first plays in the 6th column. Yellow must block the threat in the 6th column also. Then red does a diagonal threat by playing in the 7th column. Yellow blocks that, but then red gets 4 in a row by placing a disc in the 4th column.

Note that red should not play in the 4th column first, because yellow can get a diagonal victory by playing in the 4th column afterwards.

In the fourth position, red keeps playing in the 3rd column, creating threats that yellow must stop. Then red gets a diagonal victory at the top of the 3rd column.

Finally, we note that the crossword and Connect Four grids are both 7x6. Furthermore, the puzzle tells us to note the first moves. Each of the grids' first moves corresponds to a position on the crossword grid. Taking the letters in those positions, we get DISCINSTALLATION.