How to Play Tic Tac Toe

You (X) 0Draws 0AI (O) 0

Your turn (X) — tap a cell.

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Tic-tac-toe is a 3×3 grid. Two sides place X and O in empty cells. First to get three of their marks in a row — horizontal, vertical, or diagonal — wins. If every cell is filled and nobody has three, the game is a draw (also called a cat’s game).

The board above follows those rules. Skim below if you are new; skip if you already know.

When

When to use

First time; teaching a kid or friend in one screen; checking that online play is just “tap a cell.”

When not

When not to

You want winning patterns → how to win. You want two humans → 2 player. You want the nested game → ultimate.

Defaults

Assumptions

Classic 3×3. X traditionally starts. Marks cannot overwrite a filled cell. Browser play; no download.

Steps

How

Decide who is X (first) and who is O — or pick vs computer.
On your turn, tap an empty cell.
Watch for three-in-a-row after each move; block the opponent’s two-in-a-row threats.
New game when you want a rematch.

Worked notes

Examples

X takes three corners that never line up → still need an actual row/column/diagonal of three
Board full, no three-in-a-row → draw; rematch with New game

Watch-outs

Gotchas

Diagonals count — people forget one of them under pressure.
“How to play” pages elsewhere are often text-only; this one keeps a live board.
Ultimate uses extra rules; do not assume this short guide covers nested boards.

Nearby pages

Compare

Win habits: how to winSolo AI: vs computerPass-and-play: 2 player

Controls

Quick controls

New game — clear the board for a rematch.
Hint — a cell and a short reason (not a cheat promise).
Undo — step back a move while you practice.
Vs computer / 2 players — mode pages lock the matching controls.

FAQ

Common questions

What is the goal?: Three of your marks in a row before the opponent does.
What if the board fills with no winner?: Draw.
Keyboard needed?: No — tap/click is enough.
Is noughts and crosses the same?: Same game under a UK name; this site’s US pages use tic-tac-toe wording.