How to play Tic-Tac-Toe
You play X and move first. Take turns with the computer placing marks on a three-by-three board. Make a horizontal, vertical or diagonal line of three to win. A full board without a line is a draw. Different difficulty settings change how the computer chooses its move rather than changing the rules of the board.
Choose your difficulty
| Level | What changes |
|---|---|
| Easy | The computer chooses randomly among empty squares. |
| Medium | The computer wins or blocks an immediate line when possible, then chooses randomly. |
| Hard | The computer searches the possible outcomes and plays without losing. A draw is a good result. |
Controls
Click or tap an empty square to place X. The computer places O after your move. Use New game to start again. Keyboard users can select empty square buttons with Tab and Enter.
A tip for your first round
Check for an immediate win or block before choosing a square. The center and opposite corners can help create multiple threats.
Play without installing anything
This version of Tic-Tac-Toe plays in a modern browser. Follow the controls above and use a keyboard or the on-screen buttons where available. No account or payment is required. Any supported scores or progress are kept on this device, rather than synced to an account.
Tic-Tac-Toe questions
Can I beat the Hard computer?
Hard uses a complete game search. With correct play on both sides, Tic-Tac-Toe ends in a draw.
Who moves first?
You are X and move first in each round.
How do I win?
Place three X marks in one horizontal row, vertical column or diagonal before the computer does.
Read the Tic-Tac-Toe playing guide or browse more strategy games.
