THE PLAYBOOK · HONGYIWEN
How to play Tic-Tac-Toe
Bring your attention to one round of Tic-Tac-Toe. Complete a row, column or diagonal of three marks. If the board fills without a line, the round is a draw. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Keep the instructions close while learning this activity. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.
Notice the feedback
Watch the feedback after an action. A message can explain whether the input was accepted or whether a rule needs attention. Notice the feedback after each input.
Your goal
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. Keep the controls in easy reach.
Step by step
- 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.
Controls
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Look at the feedback after the action.
A useful example
Two crosses in the top row threaten a win in the remaining top-row cell. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Consider the next action carefully.
Watch out for this
You cannot replace a mark that is already on the board. Check the rule before repeating the action. Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board.
Common questions
What is the goal of Tic-Tac-Toe?
Here is the relevant explanation: Complete a row, column or diagonal of three marks. If the board fills without a line, the round is a draw.
For a quick reminder, how do I control Tic-Tac-Toe?
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
For this browser game, what example helps explain Tic-Tac-Toe?
Here is the relevant explanation: Two crosses in the top row threaten a win in the remaining top-row cell.
For this browser game, what should I watch out for in Tic-Tac-Toe?
Keep this in mind: You cannot replace a mark that is already on the board.
While learning, what format does Tic-Tac-Toe offer?
Here is the relevant explanation: Play using the same-device two players mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
For this browser game, which play mode does Tic-Tac-Toe use?
Keep this in mind: The mode on this page is Same-device two players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.