How to play Tic Tac Toe
Here’s how to play Tic Tac Toe (also called noughts and crosses): take turns putting your mark, X or O, in a three-by-three grid, and the first player to get three of their marks in a row wins. Rows, columns and both diagonals count. You can play free online in your browser.
Beat Pete adds ten computer opponents, from a beginner to Pete himself, plus online play against a random opponent and friend play. Below you’ll find the rules, some strategy tips and answers to common questions.
The basics
Two players take turns putting their mark in a three-by-three grid. X always goes first, and a coin toss decides whether that’s you.
Winning
- Get three of your marks in a row — across, down or on a diagonal — and you win.
- If all nine squares fill up with no line, it’s a draw.
- Try to make two threats at once (a “fork”) — they can only block one.
Move clock
- Games against the computer and against friends have no clock — take as long as you like.
- Only Play someone online (a random opponent) uses a 1-minute move clock. It turns amber at 20 seconds and red at 10, and if it runs out you lose the game.
The Beat Pete ladder
- Level 1 is open. Beat an opponent to unlock the next one; once unlocked, you can play them any time. As a guest you can play Trevor; sign up free for better opponents and the full ladder.
- With perfect play the game is always a draw, so the stronger opponents only lose when they slip. Pete almost never does.
Controls
- Tap a square to place your mark. Hint works against Levels 1–2.
- Keyboard: ← → ↑ ↓ move, Enter or Space places. N new game, H hint.
Beginner tips
- Take the centre or a corner. The middle square is part of four possible lines and each corner is part of three, so they give you the most ways to win.
- Always check for a win, then a block. Complete your own three in a row if you can; if you can’t, stop your opponent’s.
- Look for a fork: a move that creates two different winning threats at once. Your opponent can only block one of them.
Frequently asked questions
Who goes first in Tic Tac Toe?
X always goes first. A coin toss decides whether you are X or O.
How do you win at Tic Tac Toe?
Get three of your marks in a row — across, down or on one of the two diagonals — before your opponent does.
Can you always win at Tic Tac Toe?
No. With perfect play from both sides, the game is always a draw, so the stronger computer opponents only lose when they slip up.
Is there a time limit in Tic Tac Toe?
Only in online games against a random opponent, where every move has a 1-minute clock and running out loses the game. Games against the computer and against friends have no time limit.
Is it free to play Tic Tac Toe against the computer?
Yes. Tic Tac Toe is free to play in your browser, with nothing to download. Guests can play the first computer opponent, Trevor, and a free account unlocks the rest of the ten-level ladder up to Pete. You can also play a friend online.
Ready to play Tic Tac Toe?
It’s free and works in your browser — no download. Start against Trevor, the friendliest opponent, and sign up free to climb the ladder of ten computer players all the way to Pete.
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