Who goes first in Tic Tac Toe?

X always makes the first move. The players then alternate until someone completes a line or all nine cells are full.

How do you win at Tic Tac Toe?

Place three of your marks in one horizontal, vertical or diagonal line. Controlling the centre and creating two threats at once gives you the best chance.

Tic Tac Toe

Rules · Tic Tac Toe

How to play

Everything you need for your first match — it takes about a minute to learn.

Start playing

Take turns

Mark any free cell — X always starts, O answers.

Three in a row wins

Across, down or diagonally — the first line of three ends the game.

Full board, no line?

That’s a draw — jump straight into the rematch.

A little strategy

Start in a corner or the centre. They touch the most possible lines.
Block early. If your opponent has two in a row, close the gap first.
Build forks. Two open lines at once can’t both be blocked.

Choose the time per move at the start: 10, 30, or 60 seconds.

Frequently asked questions

Who goes first in Tic Tac Toe?: X always makes the first move. The players then alternate until someone completes a line or all nine cells are full.
How do you win at Tic Tac Toe?: Place three of your marks in one horizontal, vertical or diagonal line. Controlling the centre and creating two threats at once gives you the best chance.

Ready to play?

Start playing