WebTicTacToeOfficial Tic Tac Toe Rules
Learn how to play and win noughts and crosses. Tap through our step-by-step interactive rule visualizer below to see forks and wins in action!
Rule Walkthrough
Player X (Red) starts. Click the center square (highlighted) to take command of the board.
Official Rules of Tic Tac Toe
Tic Tac Toe (Noughts and Crosses) is played on a 3x3 grid by two players who alternate turns:
- The Grid: The game board is a 3x3 square matrix containing nine empty cells.
- The Symbols: Player 1 places "X" marks, and Player 2 places "O" marks. X traditionally goes first.
- Turn Play: On your turn, place your mark inside any empty square. Marks cannot be moved or overwritten once placed.
- Winning Condition: The first player to align 3 of their marks horizontally, vertically, or diagonally wins the match.
- Draw Condition: If all 9 grid squares are filled without either player achieving three in a row, the game is declared a Draw (often called a Cat's Game).
How to Spot a Fork
A **fork** is an advanced tactical setup where you create two simultaneous winning threats. Because your opponent can only block one threat per turn, a fork guarantees a win on your next move. A corner opening is the most common path to build forks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called a Cat's Game?
The origin of "Cat's Game" is obscure, but a common explanation is that a cat cannot catch its own tail. Similarly, in a draw, neither player can catch or overtake the other, ending in a mutual stalemate.
Who has the advantage in Tic Tac Toe?
The first player (X) has a significant advantage because they have access to the center first and control the pace of threat creation. However, if the second player (O) defends optimally, the game will always end in a draw.
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