The board
The board is a grid of three rows and three columns, so there are nine squares. One player uses X and the other uses O. X moves first.
How a turn works
- Pick an empty square.
- Place your mark in it. Marks never move once they are down.
- Check whether you now have three in a row, or whether your opponent is about to.
How to win
The first player to get three of their own marks in a straight line wins. The line can run across a row, down a column or along either of the two diagonals. If all nine squares are full and nobody has a line, the game is a draw.
The strategy for the player who goes first
Start in a corner. A corner is part of three possible lines, while an edge square is part of only two. If your opponent replies in the centre, take the opposite corner next. If they reply anywhere else, you can usually build a fork.
A fork is a position where you have two different ways to complete a line. Your opponent can only block one of them, so you win with the other. Most won games are won by a fork.
The strategy for the player who goes second
If the first player opens in a corner, answer in the centre. This is the only reply that is always safe. If they open in the centre, answer in a corner. Never answer a corner opening with another corner or an edge unless you are sure of the consequences, because that gives the first player a fork.
Whatever you do, ask two questions on every turn: can I win this turn, and can my opponent win on the next one? If the answer to either is yes, deal with it before anything else.
Why the game is always a draw
There are 255,168 different ways to play a game, but when both players avoid mistakes every one of them ends in a draw. That is why the Hard computer on boardflix cannot be beaten. The best you can do against it is a draw, which is a fine goal. The Easy and Medium levels make mistakes, so you can practise your forks there.
Common mistakes
- Opening on an edge square, which gives you the fewest lines.
- Not blocking when the opponent has two in a row.
- Going for your own line while ignoring a threat that wins first.
Playing Tic Tac Toe on boardflix
Pick Easy, Medium or Hard, or play a friend on the same screen. To play someone far away, create a private room and send the link. The scoreboard keeps count of wins, losses and draws across rounds.
Frequently asked questions
Can you always win if you go first?
No. If your opponent plays correctly, going first only guarantees that you will not lose.
What is a fork?
A fork gives you two different ways to complete a line at once. Your opponent can only block one.
Is noughts and crosses the same game?
Yes. Noughts and crosses is the name used in Britain and Tic Tac Toe is the name used in the United States.
Why can't I beat the Hard computer?
It plays perfectly, and with perfect play the game is a draw. Try Medium to practise setting traps.
