Tic-Tac-Toe
Play against the computer or pass-and-play with a friend.
Last updated
0X wins
0Draws
0O wins
X's turn
How to play tic-tac-toe
- Choose Vs Computer (and a difficulty) or Vs Human.
- Take turns placing X and O in the grid.
- Get three in a row across, down or diagonally to win.
About this game
"Unbeatable" plays a perfect game via minimax, taking a win as soon as one is available — the best you can do against it is force a draw. "Medium" plays the same way but about one move in three is random, so you can beat it if you spot the opening. "Easy" just picks a random open square. Scores are saved on this device.
Questions about tic-tac-toe
Can you beat the unbeatable computer?
No. It plays perfectly, so the best you can get is a draw. Try Medium, which makes occasional mistakes.
What is the best first move?
A corner. It gives your opponent the most chances to go wrong; the centre is also strong.
Why does every game end in a draw?
Tic-tac-toe is a solved game: if both players play perfectly, it’s always a draw.
Is it the same as noughts and crosses?
Yes. Noughts and crosses is the British name.