About the game
Play Tic-Tac-Toe (noughts and crosses) online
The classic 3×3 standoff: first to line up three in a row wins.
Play Tic-Tac-Toe, or noughts and crosses, free in your browser: the computer, a friend on one screen, or invite a friend online with a link. X and O games.
Play vs the computer, pass the phone to a friend, invite a friend online, or play someone new. When nobody’s free, one of our robot players may step in. Free, in your browser, no sign-up.
How to play Tic-Tac-Toe
- 1Pick who you’re playing: the computer, a friend online with a room code, a friend on the same screen, or someone new with Quick match.
- 2Players take turns. X always goes first, then O.
- 3Tap any empty square to place your mark.
- 4Line up three of your marks in a row (across, down, or diagonally) to win.
- 5Block your opponent's two-in-a-row to stop them completing a line.
Rules
- The board is a 3×3 grid; one player is X, the other is O.
- Players alternate turns, placing one mark per turn on an empty square.
- Three of your marks in a line (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) wins the game.
- If all nine squares fill with no line, the match is a draw.
Tic-Tac-Toe questions
How do you win at Tic-Tac-Toe?
Get three of your marks in a line: across, down or corner to corner. The trick is a fork: a move that makes two lines that each need one more mark. Your opponent can only block one.
What's the best first move?
A corner. It's part of three lines and gives your opponent the most ways to go wrong. If they start in a corner, take the centre.
Can you always win at Tic-Tac-Toe?
No. If both players make no mistakes, every game is a draw. That's why our Hard level can't be beaten: the best you can do against it is draw.
Is Tic-Tac-Toe the same as noughts and crosses?
Yes. Noughts and crosses is the British name for the same game. X always goes first, then O.
Can I play Tic-Tac-Toe with a friend online?
Yes. Tap Invite a friend and send them the link; when they open it you're in the same game. Or pass one phone or tablet between you.
How hard is the computer?
Three levels. Easy picks random squares, Medium sometimes slips up, and Hard can't be beaten. Draw with Hard and you know you played it perfectly.