Play Tic Tac Toe Online
First to align three marks wins
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Tic Tac Toe, also called noughts and crosses, Xs and Os or the XO game, is the classic game of three in a row. Play tic tac toe online here for free: 2 player with a friend, against the computer, or online multiplayer against other players, right in your browser. The rules fit in one sentence, yet a good game of tic tac toe still asks you to read your opponent and plan a move ahead, which is why adults enjoy it as much as kids do.
Tic Tac Toe rules
Two players play against each other on a 3x3 board. One player uses noughts, and the opposing player uses crosses. The players take turns placing one mark in an empty square, and the first player to align 3 of their marks horizontally, vertically or diagonally wins the game. When all nine squares are full and nobody has three in a row, the game is a draw.
Tic Tac Toe online multiplayer: 2 player, with friends or vs the computer
- Play with a friend: click "Play with a friend" and share the unique link. Your friend joins in one click, and neither of you needs an account.
- Play online: click "Play online" to be matched with another player and play tic tac toe 2 player online.
- Play vs robot: play tic tac toe against the computer at any hour.
- Tournaments: join the daily tournament, or organize a private tournament by clicking "Create private tournament" and share the link with your group.
Board sizes: 3x3 and 5x5
The classic tic tac toe board is 3x3, and three in a row wins. For a longer game, choose the 5x5 board: there you need four in a row to win, and there is a lot more room to set up threats.
Similar games
Players that enjoy Tic-Tac-Toe may also want to play the Connect 4 game as it increases the difficulty and strategy. Players willing to play a strategic game may want to try to play Gomoku. It's basically the same rules as Tic-Tac-Toe, but with a 15x15 board and five pieces to align.
You might also like to try our revamped Battleship game version. It's pretty different from Tic-Tac-Toe, but the fun is guaranteed.
Strategies and tactics to win at noughts and crosses
Tic Tac Toe is a "zero-sum game". If both players play perfectly, the game ends in a draw. Below you can find the most valuable strategies and tactics when you play Tic Tac Toe.
When you play first
Play your first X in a corner
In this example, the player who has the Xs will play first to force a win. When you are the first to play, place your X in a corner square. If your opponent does not play the center square, you will certainly win! Place your second X in the center to force your opponent to block you. Then place your third X in one of the border squares next to your first move. By doing this, you have a double-winning move, and your opponent will only be able to block one of them. Giving you the victory. https://youtu.be/9r5JavGO9Eg
If your opponent takes the center
When your opponent follows by choosing the center square as their first move, you may still have a chance of winning if your opponent makes an error later in the game. Otherwise, each player's perfect series of moves will end in a draw. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exCh1ZIefeA Respond by placing your second X in the opposite corner square, diagonally from the square where you made your first move. Each player's position will be X-O-X. Play the last corner available, and you will have a double chance for victory! If your opponent takes one of the other corner squares, you can be sure to win. https://youtu.be/FTbpbRq8vuA
When your opponent does not answer in the center
Your victory is assured if your opponent moves their O somewhere other than in the center square. Respond by placing your second X in a corner while keeping an empty square next to your initial X. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcW3v3mUkZY
When your opponent plays first
Your opponent's first move in a corner square
In this case, and when you're not the first to play, you still have the opportunity to end in a draw if you don't make any mistakes. When your opponent places an O in a corner square as their first move, systematically put your X in the center square. If your opponent places their second O in one of the remaining corner squares, do not place your X in a corner but rather in one of the squares on edge. This will force your opponent to react rather than attack. You can then expect to win if your opponent makes a mistake. Otherwise, the game will end in a forced draw. https://youtu.be/RRyGvboOvlA
When your opponent starts on an edge
- Beginners often start on an edge square.
- Place your X in the center square immediately
- If your opponent reacts by placing their second O opposite from their first move (creating an O-X-O), then place your second X in a corner square.
- If your opponent places their third O to block your winning move (creating a X-X-O diagonal). Then make your next move by placing your X into another corner square, enabling you to block your opponent and create a double diagonal. This will ensure your victory!
Frequently asked questions
How do you play tic tac toe?
Two players take turns placing their mark, a cross or a nought, in an empty square of a 3x3 grid. The first to line up three marks in a row, a column or a diagonal wins. If all nine squares fill up without a line of three, the game is a draw. On papergames.io you can also play on a 5x5 board.
How do you win at Tic Tac Toe?
Line up three of your symbols in a row, a column or a diagonal before your opponent does. Start in a corner or the center, and look for a fork: a move that creates two winning threats at once, so your opponent can only block one.
Can you always win at Tic Tac Toe?
No. If both players play perfectly, every game of Tic Tac Toe ends in a draw. You win when your opponent makes a mistake, so set traps, look for forks and always block a line your opponent is about to complete. Against a careful player, a draw is a good result.
Can I play Tic Tac Toe against the computer?
Yes. Choose "Play vs robot" to play tic tac toe against the computer at any hour, on the 3x3 or the 5x5 board. If you would rather face a person, choose "Play online" to be matched with another player, or "Play with a friend" to send a link to someone you know.
Is there a bigger Tic Tac Toe board?
Yes. Besides the classic 3x3 grid, you can play on a 5x5 board where you need four in a row to win. The bigger board makes for longer games with more room to build threats, so it is a good next step once the 3x3 game always ends in a draw.
Is tic tac toe the same as noughts and crosses?
Yes. Tic tac toe is the American name and noughts and crosses the British one, and many players call it Xs and Os or the XO game. The rules are the same everywhere: two players, a 3x3 grid, and the first to line up three of their marks wins.
Is Tic Tac Toe free on papergames.io?
Yes, 100% free. You play directly in your browser, on desktop or mobile, and you can play as a guest without creating an account. Share a link to play with a friend, play the computer, or join the daily tournament at no cost.