⭕ Tic-Tac-Toe
A classic two-player tic-tac-toe game you can play together on the same device, with win/loss scores tracked as you go. A quick way to pass the time on a break.
How to use
- X and O take turns clicking a square to place their mark.
- The first to line up three in a row — horizontally, vertically, or diagonally — wins.
- "New Game" resets the board; "Reset Scores" also clears the win/loss tally.
How the calculation works
Tic-tac-toe: two players take turns placing ✕ and ○ on a 3×3 grid, and the first to get three in a row (across, down or diagonally) wins. Both players share one screen. Wins and draws are counted. ✕ goes first. Tic-tac-toe is a solved game: if both players always make the best move, it always ends in a draw.
Worked example
Strong openings The first move is best in the centre or a corner. How to win Create two threats at once (a fork), so your opponent cannot block both. There are 9! = 362,880 ways to fill the grid in order, but only 255,168 distinct games that actually play to a finish.
Things to be aware of
- Always block when your opponent has two in a row.
- Scores are kept only while the page is open.
- A good way for children to practise logical thinking.
FAQ
Can I play against the computer?
No — this tool is a two-player game where both players take turns on the same screen.
Can a game end in a draw?
Yes — if the board fills up with no one getting three in a row, it's recorded as a draw.
Are scores saved?
No — scores are only kept while this page stays open and reset when you reload the page.