How to Play
- Pick a mode: play the computer, pass the phone to a friend, or create an online room.
- X always goes first. Tap any empty square to place your mark.
- Take turns with your opponent — O answers after every X.
- Line up three of your marks in a row, a column or a diagonal to win the round.
- If all nine squares fill up with no line, the game is a draw. Tap Play again for a rematch.
Rules
The classic board is a 3×3 grid. Players take turns placing one mark each, and a mark can never be moved or removed once it is down. The first player to complete a straight line of three — across, down or corner to corner — wins at once.
The Big 5×5 version uses a larger grid where you need four in a row instead of three. There is far more room to build threats, so games last longer and draws are much rarer. X still starts, and the same turn-by-turn rules apply.
Tips & Strategy
- Take the centre early. On the 3×3 board the middle square sits on four winning lines — more than any other square — so it gives you the most options.
- Corners beat edges. If the centre is gone, a corner is the next best move. An edge square sits on only two lines.
- Build a fork. The real way to win is to make a move that creates two threats at once. Your opponent can block only one of them.
- Always check for a block first. Before planning your own attack, look at every line where your opponent already has two marks.
- On 5×5, stay connected. Place marks next to each other in open space so each new mark adds to several possible lines of four.
- Against Hard mode, aim for a draw first. Perfect play from both sides always ends level on 3×3, so a draw against Hard means you played flawlessly.
Game Modes
Play vs Computer has three levels. Easy makes plenty of friendly mistakes and is great for young players. Medium blocks most threats but can still be tricked by a fork. Hard never loses on the 3×3 board — try the 5×5 board if you want a real chance of beating it.
Play with Friend is pass-and-play on one phone or laptop. Add your names so the scoreboard shows who is winning, then hand the device back and forth.
Play Online lets you challenge someone who is not sitting next to you.
Play with Friends Online
Tap Play Online, then Create a room. You get a five-letter room code and a link that you can send on WhatsApp or Telegram, copy, or show as a QR code. When your friend opens the link, they join your lobby straight away — no app and no sign-up. As the host, you press Start game when everyone is in. Moves appear on both screens instantly, and you can send quick emoji reactions such as 👏 or 😂 while you play. After a game, the host can start a rematch with one tap.
Tic Tac Toe FAQ
Is Tic Tac Toe free to play here?
Yes. Every mode is completely free and works in any modern browser on phones, tablets and computers. There is nothing to download and no account to create.
Can the computer be beaten on Hard?
On the classic 3×3 board the Hard computer plays perfectly, so the best possible result is a draw. On the 5×5 board it thinks a few moves ahead but can be out-planned, especially if you build two threats at once.
Who goes first?
X always moves first. In a rematch you can use Change mode and the setup screen to switch seats, or simply take turns being the host in online play.
Is this the same game as noughts and crosses?
Yes. Noughts and crosses, X and O, and zero kata are all names for the same game. The rules here are the traditional ones used around the world.
Do I need an account to play online?
No. Online rooms only need a display name, which is shared with the people in your room and is not stored anywhere after the room closes.
Last updated: 2026-09-30
