How to play Tic-Tac-Toe
Tic-Tac-Toe (noughts and crosses) is played on a 3×3 grid. One player is X, the other is O, and X always moves first.
Rules
- Players take turns placing their mark in an empty square.
- The first to get three marks in a row – horizontally, vertically or diagonally – wins.
- If all nine squares are filled and nobody has three in a row, the game is a draw.
- Online, each move has a 15-second limit. Run out of time and you lose.
Tips to win
- Start in the centre or a corner – they belong to the most winning lines.
- Always check whether your opponent can complete a line on their next move and block it first.
- Create a fork: a move that threatens two lines at once cannot be blocked.
Ranked play
Only games against people change your rating. The computer on Hard plays perfectly, so it makes good practice.