THE PLAYBOOK · HONGRENYOU
How to play Tic-Tac-Toe
Make Tic-Tac-Toe your next activity in the game library. 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. Treat the first round as a chance to learn the controls. 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. Refer to the controls when needed.
Your goal
Complete a row, column or diagonal of three marks. If the board fills without a line, the round is a draw. An attractive position is not enough unless the goal is met. The example below illustrates a decision.
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. A new-round button replaces the current round.
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. Read the matching step again.
Watch out for this
You cannot replace a mark that is already on the board. Compare the situation with the worked example. 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
For my first round, what is the goal of Tic-Tac-Toe?
Here is the relevant explanation: Complete a row, column or diagonal of three marks. If the board fills without a line, the round is a draw.
While reading the Guide, how do I control Tic-Tac-Toe?
For clarity: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
When I return, what example helps explain Tic-Tac-Toe?
For clarity: 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?
You cannot replace a mark that is already on the board.
For this browser game, what format does Tic-Tac-Toe offer?
Here is the relevant explanation: Play using the same-device two players mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
When I return, which play mode does Tic-Tac-Toe use?
The mode on this page is Same-device two players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.