Ultimate Strategy Guide

While Tic Tac Toe seems like a game of luck, it is actually a solved mathematical game. This means if you play perfectly, you will never lose.

1. The Golden Rule: Take the Center

The center square is the most valuable real estate on the board. From the center, you have 4 possible ways to win (horizontal, vertical, and two diagonals). Corner squares only have 3, and edge squares only have 2.

2. The "Fork" Strategy

A "Fork" is when you set up a situation where you have two ways to win at the same time. Your opponent can only block one, guaranteeing you the victory on the next turn.

How to do it: Take a corner, then take the center, then take the opposite corner. If your opponent hasn't blocked you correctly, you will have a double threat!

3. When You Go Second (Defense)

If you are Player 2 (O), your goal is to force a Draw. Here is the cheat sheet:

• If X takes the Center, you must take a Corner.
• If X takes a Corner, you must take the Center.
• If X takes an Edge, you must take the Center.

4. The "Impossible AI" Test

Think you've mastered these strategies? Go back to the game and select Impossible Mode. Our AI knows all these strategies. If you can tie against it, you are a master.