Tic-Tac-Toe guide

X against O on the three-by-three grid. Line up three in a row to win. A quick round against a friend or a live opponent, with a running score.

How to play Tic-Tac-Toe

  • 2 players
  • 3x3 grid
  • 3 in a row wins

Goal

Get three of your marks in a row before your opponent does.

How to play

  • Players alternate placing their mark on an empty square of the three-by-three grid.
  • Three in a row - across, down or diagonally - wins.
  • A full grid with no line is a draw.

Technique

Played perfectly the game is always a draw, so wins come from mistakes. Take the centre when it is offered, answer a centre opening with a corner, and look for the fork - a move that makes two threats at once, which is the only way to force a win.

Match format

  • Real-time against another player, with a turn timer.
  • Fast enough that matches are usually played as a run of rematches.