How to play Tic-Tac-Toe
The classic game of Xs and Os. Get three in a row before the computer does.
The rules, step by step
- The board is a grid of nine squares. You are X and the computer is O. You choose who goes first.
- Tap an empty square to put your X in it. The computer then puts an O in another square.
- The first to get three of their own marks in a straight line, across, down or diagonally, wins.
- If all nine squares are full and nobody has three in a row, the game is a draw.
- Choose Easy, Medium or Hard. On Hard the computer never makes a mistake, so the best you can do is draw. Press Hint if you are not sure where to play.
An example
You hold two corners of the top row and the top middle square is empty: play there for three in a row. If the computer has two in a row, block the empty third square.
Tips
- Start in the centre or in a corner. These squares are part of the most lines.
- Look for a move that creates two threats at once. The computer can only block one.
- Always check whether the computer is about to win before you make your own plan.