THE PLAYBOOK · XZJSCM
How to play Tic-Tac-Toe
Start Tic-Tac-Toe by looking at the playing area and its controls. Complete a row, column or diagonal of three marks. If the board fills without a line, the round is a draw. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions. Begin with the same-device two players mode shown on the page. Look at what changes after your first action.
Keep the aim in sight
Keep the stated aim separate from side details such as animation or appearance. Progress is measured by the game’s own completion or scoring rules. Make the next step deliberately.
Your goal
Complete a row, column or diagonal of three marks. If the board fills without a line, the round is a draw. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Follow this game’s rules rather than another version’s.
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. A careful first action helps you become familiar with the layout. Read the example below alongside these instructions.
A useful example
Two crosses in the top row threaten a win in the remaining top-row cell. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Take a moment to compare.
Watch out for this
You cannot replace a mark that is already on the board. A different version of the game may use a different rule. 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
Before I begin, 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.
While learning, how do I control Tic-Tac-Toe?
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
Before I begin, what example helps explain Tic-Tac-Toe?
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?
Here is the relevant explanation: You cannot replace a mark that is already on the board.
For a quick reminder, what format does Tic-Tac-Toe offer?
Play using the same-device two players mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
As a new player, which play mode does Tic-Tac-Toe use?
Keep this in mind: The mode on this page is Same-device two players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
