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Tic-Tac-Toe

Make a line of three before your opponent does.

Tic-Tac-Toe rules, tactics & how to play

Learn how to play Tic-Tac-Toe and the strategy that means you never lose, then play the board above.

Rules & how to play

The goal

Be the first to place three of your marks in a row, horizontally, vertically or diagonally, on the 3x3 grid.

How a turn works

  • One player is X, the other is O. X goes first.
  • Players take turns placing a mark in any empty square.
  • Three in a line wins. If all nine squares fill with no line, it is a draw.
Strategy to never lose

Take a corner or the centre first

The centre touches four winning lines and corners each touch three, so opening in one of them is strongest. Edges are the weakest first move.

Create a fork

A fork is a position where you threaten two lines at once. Your opponent can block only one, so you win with the other.

Always block and always take a win

If your opponent has two in a line, block the third square. If you have two in a line, complete it. Follow these and a played-perfectly game always ends in a draw.

Frequently asked questions

How do you play Tic-Tac-Toe?

Two players take turns marking squares on a 3x3 grid, one as X and one as O. The first to place three of their marks in a row horizontally, vertically or diagonally wins. If the grid fills with no line, the game is a draw.

Is there a way to never lose at Tic-Tac-Toe?

Yes. Open in the centre or a corner, always complete your own three-in-a-row when you can, always block your opponent's, and look to create a fork that threatens two lines at once. Play this way and you will never lose.

Does the first player always win Tic-Tac-Toe?

No. With perfect play from both sides Tic-Tac-Toe is always a draw. The first player has an edge only if the second player makes a mistake.

What is a fork in Tic-Tac-Toe?

A fork is a move that creates two winning threats at the same time. Since your opponent can block only one of them, the other completes your line and wins the game.