Overview

Tic-tac-toe

틱택토

Take turns placing Xs and Os—get three in a row to win.

Fast to learn, but perfect play leads to a draw—so tricking your opponent matters.

Players: 1-2P Session length: 1-3 min

Abstract StrategyClassic

Goal & Core Rules

Be the first to align three of your marks in a row, column, or diagonal on a 3×3 grid.

Players alternate placing X and O in empty cells.
Three in a row (horizontal/vertical/diagonal) wins.
If the grid fills with no three-in-a-row, the game is a draw.

Controls

Mouse

Click: place your mark
(if supported) Buttons: new game / undo
(if supported) Settings: first player / difficulty

Keyboard

Arrow keys: move focus (if supported)
Space/Enter: place (if supported)
R: reset (if supported)

Touch

Tap: place your mark
(if supported) Buttons: new game
(if supported) Two-finger tap: menu

Beginner Tips

Take the center if you can—it gives the most winning lines.
After center, corners are stronger than edges.
Always block an immediate winning threat before creating your own.

Advanced Tips

Create forks: positions that threaten two wins at once.
Force opponent into blocking moves; avoid moves that allow their fork.
Learn draw lines—knowing when a win is impossible prevents blunders.

Origins & History

Tic-tac-toe’s three-in-a-row format has ancient roots: Wikipedia traces similar boards to ancient Egypt and notes a Roman-era variant called terni lapilli. The modern naming evolved later, with “noughts and crosses” appearing in print in the 19th century, and the game becoming a classic early example in computing (such as the 1952 OXO program).

Timeline

1858 A print reference to “noughts and crosses” (a common British name) appeared.
1952 OXO (Noughts and Crosses) was created for the EDSAC computer as an early video game example.

Sources

Tic-tac-toe — Wikipedia (History)

FAQ

Is tic-tac-toe solved?

Yes. With perfect play from both sides, the result is a draw.

Why does the center matter?

The center participates in the most potential three-in-a-row lines.

How do I win more often?

Prioritize center/corners and learn fork patterns to create double threats.