Tic-Tac-Toe

Tic-Tac-Toe is the simplest strategy game there is: a 3×3 grid, two symbols, and the first line of three wins. Rounds last seconds, which is exactly the point.

The game supports two local players on one device, or a CPU opponent that plays a perfect minimax search. Against the CPU, the best you can achieve is a draw — it will block every threat and take every winning move.

The scoreboard tracks wins for X, O and draws across the session. Press 1–9 to play with the keyboard.

How to play Tic-Tac-Toe

• X moves first. Click a square or press 1–9.
• The first player to line up three symbols wins.
• Toggle between 2 Players and vs CPU at the top.
• Use New Round to reset the board; scores carry over.

Tips & strategy

Tic-Tac-Toe is solved: the centre is the strongest opening, and a perfect player never loses.

• Take the centre if you move first; it is part of four winning lines.
• If the centre is taken, play a corner. Corners create more forks than edges.
• A fork is two threats at once; set one up and the opponent can only block one.
• Always block an immediate three before building your own.
• Against the CPU, a draw is the best result — do not overextend chasing a win.
• As O, mirror X's moves to force a draw rather than trying to win.

Controls

Questions