Tic Tac Toe is one of those games you probably learned as a kid. Two players, a 3x3 grid, Xs and Os. Simple enough that anyone can play, but there is more to it if you want to actually win.
The basics
You and your opponent take turns placing marks on a 3x3 grid. One player uses X, the other uses O. First to get three in a row wins. That row can go horizontal, vertical, or diagonal.
A full board where neither player got three in a row
How to win
Get three of your marks in a straight line before your opponent does. There are eight possible ways to win:
- Three in a row across the top, middle, or bottom
- Three in a column on the left, center, or right
- Three diagonally from corner to corner
X wins with a diagonal line
Taking turns
X always goes first. After that, players alternate until someone wins or the board fills up.
- X places their mark on any empty square
- O places their mark on any empty square
- Keep going until three in a row or no more squares
When nobody wins
If all nine squares fill up and nobody has three in a row, the game is a draw. This happens a lot between experienced players. Two people who know what they are doing will tie almost every time.
Quick tips
- Going first? Take the center. It gives you the most winning options.
- Center taken? Grab a corner. Corners are the second best spots.
- Always block when your opponent has two in a row. Missing this loses games.
- Look for chances to threaten two lines at once. Your opponent can only block one.
How to Win Tic Tac Toe Every Time. This video is available with dubbing in multiple languages.
Ready to play?
The best way to learn is to play. Start a game and try out these tips. You will get the hang of it quickly.