THE PLAYBOOK · LYSTDQ
Tic-Tac-Toe: instructions and practice
Take a moment with Tic-Tac-Toe before moving to another game. Complete a row, column or diagonal of three marks. If the board fills without a line, the round is a draw. Look at what changes after your first action. Keep the instructions close while learning this activity. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move.
Try a more deliberate round
Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart. Keep the objective visible.
What you need to achieve
Complete a row, column or diagonal of three marks. If the board fills without a line, the round is a draw. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Try to explain the aim in your own words.
A walkthrough of the rules
- Player 1 places a cross in an empty cell.
- Player 2 places a circle in another empty cell.
- Take turns, watching both your winning opportunities and the opponent’s threats.
- The board stops accepting moves when a player wins or the game is drawn.
How to interact with the game
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Use the control method described here for this activity. Look at the feedback after the action.
See the idea in action
Two crosses in the top row threaten a win in the remaining top-row cell. Use the example as a guide rather than a substitute for reading your board. Notice the change in the playing area.
Check this before moving on
You cannot replace a mark that is already on the board. A different version of the game may use a different rule. Take enough time to read a new position. If a game has a timer, learn its controls first rather than searching for them during the round.
If you are unsure
While learning, what is the goal of Tic-Tac-Toe?
Keep this in mind: Complete a row, column or diagonal of three marks. If the board fills without a line, the round is a draw.
When I return, how do I control Tic-Tac-Toe?
For clarity: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
On this playing page, what example helps explain Tic-Tac-Toe?
Keep this in mind: Two crosses in the top row threaten a win in the remaining top-row cell.
As a new player, what should I watch out for in Tic-Tac-Toe?
For clarity: You cannot replace a mark that is already on the board.
On this playing page, what format does Tic-Tac-Toe offer?
For clarity: Play using the same-device two players mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
While reading the Guide, which play mode does Tic-Tac-Toe use?
Here is the relevant explanation: The mode on this page is Same-device two players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.