THE PLAYBOOK · SJZYCGG
How to play Tic-Tac-Toe
Open Tic-Tac-Toe, check the instructions and begin a round. Complete a row, column or diagonal of three marks. If the board fills without a line, the round is a draw. Use the example below to understand a decision. Treat the first round as a chance to learn the controls. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move.
A useful comparison
Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board. Use the example to check your reasoning.
Your goal
Complete a row, column or diagonal of three marks. If the board fills without a line, the round is a draw. Read that aim before choosing your first action. Take a moment to understand the current position.
Step by step
- Player 1 places a cross in an empty cell.
- Player 2 places a circle in another empty cell.
- Take turns, watching both your winning opportunities and the opponent’s threats.
- The board stops accepting moves when a player wins or the game is drawn.
Controls
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Look at the feedback after the action.
A useful example
Two crosses in the top row threaten a win in the remaining top-row cell. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Look for the relevant detail.
Watch out for this
You cannot replace a mark that is already on the board. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. Take enough time to read a new position. If a game has a timer, learn its controls first rather than searching for them during the round.
Common questions
While learning, what is the goal of Tic-Tac-Toe?
Keep this in mind: Complete a row, column or diagonal of three marks. If the board fills without a line, the round is a draw.
While learning, how do I control Tic-Tac-Toe?
The key detail is this: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
On this playing page, what example helps explain Tic-Tac-Toe?
Here is the relevant explanation: Two crosses in the top row threaten a win in the remaining top-row cell.
For a quick reminder, what should I watch out for in Tic-Tac-Toe?
The key detail is this: You cannot replace a mark that is already on the board.
While learning, what format does Tic-Tac-Toe offer?
For clarity: Play using the same-device two players mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
As a new player, which play mode does Tic-Tac-Toe use?
The mode on this page is Same-device two players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.