About the Tic Tac Toe
Tic Tac Toe is the classic game of Xs and Os on a 3 by 3 grid. Play against the computer, which can be set to unbeatable (it never loses and plays perfectly) or easy (it sometimes makes mistakes), or play against a friend on the same screen. Choose whether you play X and go first or O and go second, and a scoreboard counts wins and draws as you play. The winning line lights up, the board is easy to tap on a phone and nothing is uploaded, so you can play anywhere without sign-up or ads in the way.
Updated October 2026
How to use the Tic Tac Toe
- 1Choose to play the computer or two players.
- 2Pick unbeatable or easy, and whether you are X or O.
- 3Tap a square to place your mark.
- 4Get three in a row across, down or diagonally to win.
- 5Press Play again for the next game.
The rules
Two players take turns placing X and O in the squares of a 3 by 3 grid. The first to place three of their marks in a straight line, across, down or diagonally, wins. If all nine squares are filled and no one has three in a row, the game is a draw. The game is quick, which makes it a good way to teach children about turns, strategy and planning ahead.
Strategy tips
Good play means taking the strong squares and spotting threats. The centre is part of four lines, corners are part of three and edges only two. Always look for a move that makes two threats at once, and always block your opponent's two in a row.
- Open with a corner or the centre
- Block any line where the opponent has two
- Look for a move that makes two threats
- If you play second, take the centre, or a corner if the centre is gone
Why it is always a draw
Because there are only 255,168 possible games, computers can check every one. A player who never misses a threat and never misses a chance cannot be beaten, which is why the unbeatable level can only draw or win. The easy level makes random mistakes on purpose, so beginners can win.
More games
Try the harder Connect Four, the puzzle Sudoku, the memory game called Memory Test and the Rock Paper Scissors game. The Dice Roller helps with board games.
Features
- Unbeatable computer using the minimax method
- Easy level for beginners and kids
- Two players on one screen
- Choose X or O
- Win, draw and loss counter
- Works on phones and computers
Frequently asked questions
Can the unbeatable computer be beaten?
No. Tic-tac-toe is a solved game: with perfect play from both sides it is always a draw. The best you can do against the unbeatable level is draw.
Who goes first?
X always goes first. If you choose O, the computer plays first.
What is the best first move?
Taking a corner or the centre. A corner start gives the opponent the most ways to go wrong.
How do I win against the easy computer?
Make a fork: place a mark so that you threaten two winning lines at once, and the computer can block only one.
What is the name of the game in the UK?
Noughts and crosses, with the same rules.
Can two people play on a phone?
Yes. Choose Two players and pass the phone after each move.
Does the game keep my score?
The score is kept while the page is open. It is not stored or sent anywhere.
Why do some games end in a draw?
When both players block every threat, nobody can make three in a row. Most games between careful players end in a draw, which is a sign that both played well.
Is it free?
Yes, with no sign-up. Everything runs in your browser, so nothing you do is uploaded.