Tic Tac Toe: how to play

Classic Tic Tac Toe online that keeps growing. Bruno plays X and always goes first against a new computer opponent in every level: the 3×3 game you know, a perfect player who never loses, bigger 4×4 and 5×5 boards, and finally Ultimate Tic Tac Toe in the Glitch Zone, where nine small boards make one big one.

How to play

• Tap a square to put your X there. You always go first. Arrow keys and Enter or Space work too.
• Get the level's line length in a row (across, down or diagonal) to win: three in a row on 3×3 and 4×4, four in a row on 5×5.
• Win to move to the next level. Losing a game costs one of your three hearts and you get a rematch. A draw replays.
• Mogi, in level 2, never loses: there, a draw clears the level.
• On the plain boards, block a square the computer needed to win and you score a close-call bonus.
• Ultimate: win a small board to claim it, and claim three small boards in a row to win. The square you play in sends the computer to the matching small board; if that board is finished, it can play in any open board. Boards you may play in glow.

The five levels

1. Neon City: 3×3 vs Kip, who is a bit careless
2. Rooftops: 3×3 vs Mogi, who never loses: a draw clears the level
3. Sewer: a 4×4 board, still three in a row, vs Sewer Bot
4. Robot Factory: a 5×5 board, four in a row, vs Factory Bot
5. Glitch Zone: Ultimate Tic Tac Toe vs Glitch Bot

Clear the Glitch Zone and the levels loop again: Mogi still never loses, and every other opponent gets sharper. You have three hearts for the whole run, and the game is the same for everyone each day, so you can compare scores. Press M to turn the sound off or on.

Tips

• Take the centre or a corner first on 3×3. The edge squares are weakest.
• Win by making two threats at once: the computer can only block one.
• In Ultimate, think about where your move sends the computer, not just the square you take.

Questions

How do you win at Tic Tac Toe?

Get your marks in a row across, down or diagonally before the computer does: three in a row on 3×3 and 4×4, four in a row on 5×5. Take the centre and block every line it starts.

Can you beat the computer at Tic Tac Toe?

On 3×3, a perfect player can't be beaten, only held to a draw, which is why level 2 counts a draw as a pass. The other opponents can be beaten.

What is Ultimate Tic Tac Toe?

Nine small Tic Tac Toe boards in a 3×3 grid. Win small boards to claim them, and three claimed boards in a row win. Each move decides which small board the other player must play in next.

Who goes first?

You do, every game. Bruno plays X.

Is it free?

Yes. Tic Tac Toe is free in your browser on phones, tablets and computers, with no download.