THE PLAYBOOK · SXSRCB
How to play Tic-Tac-Toe
Bring your attention to one round 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. Use the example below to understand a decision. Choose a comfortable screen position before beginning. Look at what changes after your first action.
Focus on one rule
Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow. Use the example to check your reasoning.
Your goal
Complete a row, column or diagonal of three marks. If the board fills without a line, the round is a draw. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. Start with a deliberate move.
Step by step
- 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.
Controls
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Look at the feedback after the action.
A useful example
Two crosses in the top row threaten a win in the remaining top-row cell. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Choose a deliberate next step.
Watch out for this
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. Take enough time to read a new position. If a game has a timer, learn its controls first rather than searching for them during the round.
Common questions
For my first round, what is the goal of Tic-Tac-Toe?
Keep this in mind: Complete a row, column or diagonal of three marks. If the board fills without a line, the round is a draw.
How do I control Tic-Tac-Toe?
Keep this in mind: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
When I return, what example helps explain Tic-Tac-Toe?
For clarity: Two crosses in the top row threaten a win in the remaining top-row cell.
Before I begin, what should I watch out for in Tic-Tac-Toe?
For clarity: You cannot replace a mark that is already on the board.
For a quick reminder, what format does Tic-Tac-Toe offer?
Keep this in mind: 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 key detail is this: The mode on this page is Same-device two players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
