Unbeatable Tic Tac Toe Strategy

The Strategy of Perfect Play

Because Tic Tac Toe has only 26,830 unique board configurations (when removing symmetries), a player can memorize the perfect response for every possible board state. By using the unbeatable strategy outline below, you will never lose another game of Tic Tac Toe. Your results will either be a victory or a draw.

Flowchart: Going First (Player 1)

To establish an unbeatable game when starting first, execute the **Corner Opening Strategy**:

1. Turn 1: Play in any corner (e.g., top-left).
2. Turn 2:
   • If the opponent plays in the center: Play in the opposite corner (bottom-right). If they play an edge on Turn 3, block and win.
   • If the opponent plays in any other square: Play in another corner, leaving an empty square between your two marks. This creates an immediate win threat. On Turn 3, place your third mark to establish a fork.
3. Turn 3: Claim the winning cell or complete the fork to seal your win.

Flowchart: Going Second (Player 2)

To remain undefeated when going second, follow these defensive rules:

• Opponent starts in corner: Take the center. On Turn 2, if they take the opposite corner, take an edge. If they take an edge, block their win immediately.
• Opponent starts in center: Take a corner. On Turn 2, block any consecutive marks they make.
• Opponent starts on edge: Take the center. On Turn 2, occupy a corner to disrupt their alignment paths.

Practice to Perfection

Understanding these flowcharts takes just a few rounds of practice. Challenge our 'Impossible' AI mode to test your defensive alignment, or create private rooms to play against friends and show off your undefeated record.