- klyo games
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- Tic Tac Toe
Game rules
How to win at Tic Tac Toe
Tic Tac Toe is a game for two players on a 3 by 3 board. Players take turns placing their mark, and the first to get three in a row, across, down or diagonally, wins. With perfect play from both sides every game is a draw, so the winner is whoever makes fewer mistakes.
What are the rules of Tic Tac Toe?
One player places crosses, the other circles. On your turn you place one mark in any empty square of the 3 by 3 board. The first player to get three of their marks in one line, in a row, a column or a diagonal, wins. When all nine squares are taken and nobody has three in a line, the game is a draw.
Which square should you start on?
The strongest first moves are the centre or a corner. The centre belongs to four lines, a corner to three and an edge square to only two. When your opponent starts in a corner, answer in the centre: any other move gives them a chance to win. When they start in the centre, answer in a corner.
What is a fork and how does it win the game?
A fork is a move after which you have two lines with two of your marks and the third square free. Your opponent can block only one of them, so you complete the other one and win. Almost every win against a reasonable defence starts with a fork.
How do you never lose at Tic Tac Toe?
- Before every move, check whether your opponent has two in a line with the third square free. If so, block it.
- If you have two in a line with a free square, you win right away: place your mark there.
- Do not let your opponent set up a fork: block in a way that creates a threat of your own.
- After a corner opening, do not answer on an edge or in the opposite corner; take the centre.
Can you always win at Tic Tac Toe?
No. It is a solved game: if neither player makes a mistake, every game ends in a draw. That is why a draw against the unbeatable computer on klyo counts as a success. Against the easy and medium computer you win by using its mistake and setting up a fork. You play a run of up to twenty games: wins and draws score points, and a loss ends the run.
Play Tic Tac Toe for free
You know the rules, now play. Tic Tac Toe runs free in your browser, on a phone and a computer, with nothing to install and no account.