Tic-tac-toe is a fun game that you can play anytime and anywhere, as long as you have a piece of paper, a pencil and an opponent. Tic-tac-toe is a game where, if both players try their best, it is possible not to have a winner. Either way, if you learn to play tic-tac-toe and master a few simple strategies, then you will be able to not only play, but win most games. If you want to know how to play tic-tac-toe, then start with the first step.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Playing tic-tac-toe
Step 1. Draw the board
First, you need to draw the board, which is made up of a grid of 3x3 squares. It means it has 3 rows of 3 squares each. Some play with a 4x4 grid, but it's for more experienced players, and we're going to focus on that 3x3 here.
Step 2. Get the first player to start
Although traditionally the first player uses the "X", you can allow the first player to decide whether to use the "X" or the "O". These symbols will be placed on the board, trying to get 3 in a row. If you start, then the best move you can make is to start from the center. This will maximize your chances of winning, as you will be able to create a row of X's or O's with more combinations (4) than the other squares.
Step 3. Now it's up to the second player
After the first round, the second player should insert his own symbol, which will be the opposite one from the opponent. The second player can either try to prevent the first player from forming a row of 3, or concentrate on creating their own row. Ideally, the player can do both.
Step 4. Keep alternating rounds until either player gets a row of 3 or until no one can win
The first player to line up 3 of their symbols, horizontally, vertically or diagonally, has won three of a kind. However, if neither player has an optimal strategy, then no one is likely to win because you will only block each other.
Step 5. Keep practicing
Contrary to what one might think, tic-tac-toe is not purely a game of luck. There are some strategies that can help you optimize your skills and become an expert player. As you continue to play, you will soon discover all the tricks to make sure you win every time - or at least, you will learn the tricks to avoid losing.
Part 2 of 2: Become an expert
Step 1. Make the best first move
The best move, if you start, is to aim for the center. There are no ifs, ands or buts that hold. Starting from the center, you will have a better chance of winning the game. And by leaving that square to your opponent, you are more likely to lose. And that's not what you want, right?
- If you can't get to the center, your second best move is to aim for one of the 4 corners. That way, if your opponent doesn't pick center (and a beginner might not), then you have a good chance of winning.
- Avoid edges as a first move. The edges are the 4 squares which are neither in the center nor in the corners. By choosing them as your first move, you will have the least chance of winning.
Step 2. Answer properly in case the other player goes first
If the other player starts and doesn't use the center, then you should do it. But if the other goes to the center, then the best thing to do is aim for one of the corners.
Step 3. Follow the “right, left, up and down” pattern
It is another safe strategy that will help you win the game. When your opponent makes a sign, see if you can put your symbol to the right of his. If you can't, then try left. If you can't, then on top of your opponent's symbol. If that's not even possible, try below. This strategy ensures maximum results in optimizing your position and hindering your opponent.
Step 4. Use the 3 corner pattern
Another ideal strategy is to place your symbols in 3 of the 4 corners on the board. This can maximize your chances of having a row of 3 because you will be able to create a diagonal row or rows along the sides of the grid. It will work unless, of course, your opponent gets in the way.
Step 5. Play against a computer
If you really want to improve your technique and make sure you never lose, then it is better to play as much as possible instead of memorizing a list of patterns. You can find computers online that can play against you and you will soon be able to play a game without losing (although you may not even be able to win).
Step 6. Increase the difficulty
If you're feeling stifled by the 3x3 scoreboard, then you might want to try the 4x4 or even 5x5. The bigger the board, the longer the row you will have to create; for the 4x4 board, you will need to have 4 symbols lined up, for the 5x5 board a row of 5 symbols, and so on.
