The game everyone knows: take turns placing X and O on a 3 × 3 grid and be the first to line up three. Play a friend on the same phone, or the computer at Easy, Medium or Unbeatable. The unbeatable level looks ahead to the end of every game, so the best you can do is a draw. Can you manage one every time?
loading toolHow to play tic-tac-toe
- Choose “vs computer” (and a level) or “2 players”.
- Tap a square to place your mark; on a keyboard press 1 to 9.
- Line up three in a row, column or diagonal to win.
- Press Swap who starts to let the other side go first.
Good to know
- Easy is good for young children; Medium makes occasional mistakes you can exploit.
- Look for a “fork”: a move that threatens two lines at once.
Questions
Can the computer really never lose?
On Unbeatable, yes. It checks every possible way the game can go before each move. With perfect play from both sides tic-tac-toe always ends in a draw.
What is the best first move?
A corner. It gives your opponent the most chances to go wrong. Against a corner opening the only safe reply is the centre.
Is the score saved?
Yes, on this device, until you press Reset score.
Is my data private?
Yes. Everything happens inside your own browser: nothing you type or choose is uploaded to us or anyone else.
Is it free?
Completely free, with no sign-up, no watermark and no limit on how many times you use it. Light ads keep the site running.
