THE PLAYBOOK · YSSDYY
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. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Make your first input carefully and watch the result. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move.
A careful first round
Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal. 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. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. Check the rules when you are unsure.
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. Use the control method described here for this activity. 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. Use the example as a guide rather than a substitute for reading your board. Read the matching step again.
Watch out for this
You cannot replace a mark that is already on the board. Check the rule before repeating the action. Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board.
Common questions
For my first round, 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.
When I return, how do I control Tic-Tac-Toe?
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
On this playing page, what example helps explain Tic-Tac-Toe?
Two crosses in the top row threaten a win in the remaining top-row cell.
For a quick reminder, what should I watch out for in Tic-Tac-Toe?
For clarity: You cannot replace a mark that is already on the board.
Before I begin, what format does Tic-Tac-Toe offer?
The key detail is this: Play using the same-device two players mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
Before I begin, which play mode does Tic-Tac-Toe use?
For clarity: The mode on this page is Same-device two players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.