How to Play Tic-Tac-Toe

THE PLAYBOOK · HRZBANJIA

Learn the rules of Tic-Tac-Toe

Choose a round of Tic-Tac-Toe and settle into its rules. Complete a row, column or diagonal of three marks. If the board fills without a line, the round is a draw. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions. Begin with the same-device two players mode shown on the page. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.

Give this approach a try

Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board. Use the example to check your reasoning.

What you need to achieve

Complete a row, column or diagonal of three marks. If the board fills without a line, the round is a draw. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. The example below illustrates a decision.

A walkthrough of the rules

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.

Controls

Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Use the control method described here for this activity. Read the example below alongside these instructions.

See how the rules apply

Two crosses in the top row threaten a win in the remaining top-row cell. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Look for the relevant detail.

Watch out for this

You cannot replace a mark that is already on the board. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal.

Questions about this game