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RULES & PRACTICE

How to Play Tic-Tac-Toe

Play Tic-Tac-Toe ↗

Game guide · WANWUYY

Tic-Tac-Toe: from controls to your first round

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. Look at what changes after your first action. Begin with the same-device two players mode shown on the page. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.

Take a closer look while playing

After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again. Use the example to check your reasoning.

What you need to achieve

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

  1. Player 1 places a cross in an empty cell.
  2. Player 2 places a circle in another empty cell.
  3. Take turns, watching both your winning opportunities and the opponent’s threats.
  4. The board stops accepting moves when a player wins or the game is drawn.

Making selections and moves

Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. A careful first action helps you become familiar with the layout. Read the example below alongside these instructions.

See the idea in action

Two crosses in the top row threaten a win in the remaining top-row cell. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Look for the relevant detail.

Watch out for this

You cannot replace a mark that is already on the board. A different version of the game may use a different rule. 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

For this browser game, what is the goal of Tic-Tac-Toe?

For clarity: Complete a row, column or diagonal of three marks. If the board fills without a line, the round is a draw.

How do I control Tic-Tac-Toe?

For clarity: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.

Before I begin, what example helps explain Tic-Tac-Toe?

For clarity: Two crosses in the top row threaten a win in the remaining top-row cell.

What should I watch out for in Tic-Tac-Toe?

You cannot replace a mark that is already on the board.

For this browser game, what format does Tic-Tac-Toe offer?

Here is the relevant explanation: Play using the same-device two players mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.

While reading the Guide, which play mode does Tic-Tac-Toe use?

Here is the relevant explanation: The mode on this page is Same-device two players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.

For my first round, where should I start with Tic-Tac-Toe?

Player 1 places a cross in an empty cell.

Before I begin, do I need an account or a payment for Tic-Tac-Toe?

Keep this in mind: No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.

For my first round, how can I find Tic-Tac-Toe again?

Keep this in mind: Use the Games list or save this game page in your browser bookmarks. The Guide is linked from the playing page.

For my first round, how do I report an issue with Tic-Tac-Toe?

Keep this in mind: Use the contact form and include the game name, browser, device and the actions that led to the issue. Do not send passwords or payment details.

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