Tic Tac Toe
Play the computer on Easy, Medium or Unbeatable, or a friend on the same screen. The score adds up as you play.
- Runs on your device
- Play the computer or a friend
- Free, no sign-up
X to play.
The score is kept in this browser only.
Runs in your browser. Nothing you type or open is uploaded. Free to use, no account. More games and puzzles
How to play Tic Tac Toe
- Choose The computer or A friend on this screen. Against the computer, pick a level and whether you play X (you go first) or O.
- X always starts. Take turns putting your mark in an empty square: tap or click it, or move with the arrow keys and press Enter.
- Three of your marks in a row, a column or a diagonal wins. A full board with no line is a draw.
- Press New game for another round. The score for each mode adds up in this browser until you press Reset score.
The three levels
- Easy mostly plays random squares, so it is a good first game for children.
- Medium always takes a win and blocks yours, and otherwise mixes good and random moves.
- Unbeatable searches every possible game (minimax). The best you can do is a draw.
How to never lose
- Going first, take a corner or the centre. A corner opening gives the other player the most ways to go wrong.
- Always check for a win first, then block any line where the other player has two marks.
- Watch for forks: a move that makes two lines of two at once. Block the square that would let the other player fork.
- Against a perfect player every game is a draw, which is why Unbeatable cannot be beaten.
Link to this tool
Found it useful? You're welcome to link to it from your README, docs or blog.
Questions
Can I play Tic Tac Toe against the computer?
Yes. Choose The computer and pick Easy, Medium or Unbeatable. You can play X and go first, or play O and let the computer start.
Is the Unbeatable level really unbeatable?
Yes. It looks ahead through every possible game, so with best play it wins or draws. A perfect game from both sides is always a draw.
Can two people play on one device?
Yes. Choose A friend on this screen and take turns. X goes first, and the score shows wins for X, O and draws.
Is the score saved?
The score and your settings are kept in this browser on this device, so they are still there next time. Reset score clears them.
Can I play with a keyboard or screen reader?
Yes. Tab to the board, move with the arrow keys and press Enter or Space. Each square is announced by row, column and what is in it.