About the game
Tic-Tac-Toe is the simplest strategy game in existence. Two players take turns placing Xs and Os on a 3×3 grid. The first to get three marks in a row — horizontally, vertically, or diagonally — wins. If the grid fills up with no winner, the game is a draw.
Despite its simplicity, Tic-Tac-Toe is a genuinely instructive game. It teaches pattern recognition, forward thinking, and the concept of forced moves. This version lets you play against the computer (which plays near-perfectly) or against a friend on the same screen.
How to play
- Choose a square on the 3×3 grid and place your mark (X or O).
- Players alternate turns. X always goes first.
- Get three of your marks in a row to win — horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
- If the board fills up with no winner, the game is a draw.
Controls
| Place mark | Click or tap a square |
Five tips to never lose
1. Always take the centre
The centre square is involved in four of eight possible winning lines. If it is open, take it.
2. Take a corner if the centre is gone
Corners are involved in three winning lines each. They are the second-best opening move.
3. Create a fork
A fork is a position where you have two ways to win. Once you create one, your opponent cannot block both.
4. Block forks immediately
If your opponent has two potential winning lines, block the one that creates a fork — not just any line.
5. Perfect play is a draw
If both players play optimally, Tic-Tac-Toe always ends in a draw. Use this to your advantage: if you go second, aim for the draw.
Why you'll like it
Tic-Tac-Toe is the universal strategy game. Everyone knows how to play, and a full game takes thirty seconds. Against the computer, it is a genuine challenge. Against a friend, it is a quick, satisfying brain-break.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play against the computer?
Yes. The AI plays near-perfectly, making it a strong opponent.
Can two people play on one screen?
Yes — take turns clicking the squares.
Is every game a draw with perfect play?
Yes. If both players play optimally, the game always ends in a draw.
Game credit: Open-source Tic-Tac-Toe implementation. MIT licence by ramazancetinkaya.