Many players lose because they block when they could win, or miss threats entirely. Here is a checklist that fixes both problems.
What counts as a threat
Two marks in a row with an empty third square. That is a threat. Before each move, scan the board for yours and theirs.
Two in a row with an empty space = immediate threat
The checklist
Run through this every turn:
- Can I win right now? If yes, do it.
- Can they win next turn? If yes, block it.
- Neither? Create your own threat.
Always check for winning moves before blocking
Common mistakes
- Blocking without checking if you can win first. Always check your own lines.
- Missing diagonal threats. People often only check rows and columns.
- Good blocks also create threats. If you must block, pick a square that threatens them back.
How to Win Tic Tac Toe Every Time. This video is available with dubbing in multiple languages.
Getting faster
The checklist becomes automatic after a few games. You will stop thinking about it and just see the threats.