solution.py

import json
from pprint import pprint as pp

io = open('board.json')
board = json.loads(io.read())


def connceted_four(x, y, char, seen=1):
    if seen is 4:
        return True

    for x_dir in (-1, 0, 1):
        for y_dir in (-1, 0, 1):
            new_x = x + x_dir
            new_y = y + y_dir

            if seen >= 4:
                return True
            elif new_x < 0 or new_y < 0:
                return False
            elif board[new_x][new_y] == char:
                seen += 1
                return connceted_four(new_x, new_y, char, seen)
            else:
                return False


def run():
    for row in range(6):
        for col in range(7):
            for char in ('X', 'O'):
                if connceted_four(row, col, char):
                    return 'Winner: %s' % char
    return 'No winner.'

print run()