THE PLAYBOOK · BXBZYS
Learn the rules of Tic-Tac-Toe
Make Tic-Tac-Toe your next activity in the game library. Complete a row, column or diagonal of three marks. If the board fills without a line, the round is a draw. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move. Check the rule that explains your first action. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.
Practice with a purpose
When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round. Use the example to check your reasoning.
What the game asks you to do
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. Start with a deliberate move.
From the start of a round
- Player 1 places a cross in an empty cell.
- Player 2 places a circle in another empty cell.
- Take turns, watching both your winning opportunities and the opponent’s threats.
- The board stops accepting moves when a player wins or the game is drawn.
How to use the controls
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Keep the playing area visible while using these controls. Use one clear input at a time.
Work through an example
Two crosses in the top row threaten a win in the remaining top-row cell. Focus on why the action is allowed, not only its outcome. Keep the controls nearby.
A common point of confusion
You cannot replace a mark that is already on the board. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal.
More answers before you play
For a quick reminder, what is the goal of Tic-Tac-Toe?
Complete a row, column or diagonal of three marks. If the board fills without a line, the round is a draw.
For this browser game, how do I control Tic-Tac-Toe?
Keep this in mind: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
For this browser game, what example helps explain Tic-Tac-Toe?
The key detail is this: Two crosses in the top row threaten a win in the remaining top-row cell.
As a new player, 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.
Before I begin, what format does Tic-Tac-Toe offer?
Play using the same-device two players mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
For this browser game, which play mode does Tic-Tac-Toe use?
The mode on this page is Same-device two players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
