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RULES & PRACTICE

How to Play Tic-Tac-Toe

Play Tic-Tac-Toe ↗

THE PLAYBOOK · SQZAPP

How to play Tic-Tac-Toe

Try Tic-Tac-Toe at your own pace and keep its objective in view. 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.

A useful comparison

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

Your goal

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. Try to explain the aim in your own words.

Step by step

  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. Keep the playing area visible while using these controls. Check any mode label before starting.

A useful example

Two crosses in the top row threaten a win in the remaining top-row cell. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Choose a deliberate next step.

Watch out for this

You cannot replace a mark that is already on the board. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.

Common questions

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.

As a new player, how do I control Tic-Tac-Toe?

For clarity: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.

As a new player, what example helps explain Tic-Tac-Toe?

Two crosses in the top row threaten a win in the remaining top-row cell.

For my first round, what should I watch out for in Tic-Tac-Toe?

Keep this in mind: You cannot replace a mark that is already on the board.

What format does Tic-Tac-Toe offer?

For clarity: Play using the same-device two players mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.

On this playing page, which play mode does Tic-Tac-Toe use?

Keep this in mind: The mode on this page is Same-device two players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.

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