Tic-Tac-Toe

How to play Tic-Tac-Toe

Tic-Tac-Toe is the familiar 3×3 grid: you place X, the computer places O, and the first to make three in a row wins. This version plays in your browser and makes its move as soon as you have placed yours. It will try to block you, so a casual game still asks for a little care. There is no download, and a round takes less than a minute, which makes it a useful filler between longer puzzles.

Perfect play on both sides ends in a draw, and that is part of the charm. The center and the corners are stronger opening squares than the edges. If you take the center, watch for a fork — two threats at once — which is how most genuine wins happen against a careful opponent. If the computer takes the center, a corner opening still leaves you with drawing chances.

Tap or click an empty square to place your X. The board works with a mouse or a finger, and you can start a new round immediately after a win, loss, or draw.

Tips

• Open in the center when it is free; it sits on the most winning lines.
• If the opponent occupies the center, take a corner rather than an edge.
• Always look one move ahead for two threats you can create at the same time.

Controls: mouse, touch. No download and no sign-in required.

FAQ

Do I play against the computer?

Yes. You are X and the computer is O. It moves automatically after each of your turns and will try to block winning lines.

Is this Tic-Tac-Toe free to play online?

Yes. It runs in the browser with no download and no sign-in.

Can I play it on a phone?

Yes. Tap an empty square to place your mark. The board is large enough for touch input.