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Making your first moves in Tic-Tac-Toe

A focus for your next round

Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart. Refer to the controls when needed.

Your goal

Complete a row, column or diagonal of three marks. If the board fills without a line, the round is a draw. The feedback beside the game helps you follow the round. Try to explain the aim in your own words.

The steps to play

  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.

Input guidance

Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Read a button’s label before selecting it. Use one clear input at a time.

See how the rules apply

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. Check the stated objective.

An important reminder

You cannot replace a mark that is already on the board. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.

Questions that come up during play

Before I begin, what is the goal of Tic-Tac-Toe?

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

For a quick reminder, how do I control Tic-Tac-Toe?

Here is the relevant explanation: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.

As a new player, what example helps explain Tic-Tac-Toe?

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

While learning, what should I watch out for in Tic-Tac-Toe?

Here is the relevant explanation: You cannot replace a mark that is already on the board.

For a quick reminder, what format does Tic-Tac-Toe offer?

Keep this in mind: Play using the same-device two players mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.

For a quick reminder, which play mode does Tic-Tac-Toe use?

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

As a new player, where should I start with Tic-Tac-Toe?

Player 1 places a cross in an empty cell.

As a new player, do I need an account or a payment for Tic-Tac-Toe?

The key detail is this: No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.

For a quick reminder, how can I find Tic-Tac-Toe again?

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

While learning, how do I report an issue with Tic-Tac-Toe?

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.