How to Play Tic Tac Toe: Rules, Setup, and Winning Strategies

Tic Tac Toe is one of the simplest and most widely played paper-and-pencil games in the world. Two players take turns placing Xs and Os on a 3×3 grid, trying to be the first to get three in a row. It’s quick, portable, and playable just about anywhere — on paper, in the sand, with chalk on the driveway, or even on fogged-up windows.

It may seem simple, but behind its easy setup is a surprising layer of strategy. For kids, it’s a perfect introduction to thinking ahead and blocking opponents. For adults, it’s a nostalgic throwback that’s just as satisfying to teach as it is to play.

Objective

Be the first player to get three of your marks in a row — horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

Number of Players

Tic tac toe is a 2 player game.

Age

Ages 4+ (younger kids can learn quickly).

Skills Learned

• Strategic Thinking – Planning moves while anticipating your opponent’s.
• Pattern Recognition – Spotting opportunities and threats on the grid.
• Blocking Skills – Preventing your opponent from winning.
• Logical Reasoning – Understanding cause and effect from each move.

Why We Like It for Families and Kids

Tic Tac Toe is quick to learn, needs no prep, and is the perfect starter game for younger kids. The sweet spot is when kids are just starting to figure out strategy — that’s when the game is at its most fun.

I can still remember how cool I felt the day I “figured it out” as a kid — the moment I realized I could always force a draw if I played perfectly. It felt like I’d cracked a secret code. Just recently, my kids went through that same rite of passage. They started out losing, then learning, then eventually “joining the club” where they never lose… they just draw.

For experienced adults, it’s a solved game and almost always ends in a tie, but that’s part of the charm. It’s fun to pass on the strategies and watch kids level up until they can match you move for move.

What You Need

• Paper
• Pencil or pen

Setup

Draw a 3×3 grid of equal squares. Decide who will be X and who will be O.

How to Play Tic Tac Toe — Step by Step

1: Grab a friend and a piece of paper
Tic Tac Toe is best with 2 players.

2: Draw a 3×3 grid
Use two vertical and two horizontal lines to create 9 equal squares.

3: Decide who goes first (big advantage!)
Flip a coin, play rock-paper-scissors, or choose randomly to see who starts. Going first in Tic Tac Toe is a significant advantage — with perfect play, the first player can never lose. That said, it’s important to practice playing from both positions, because the strategies for starting and for defending are different.

4: Assign symbols
One player will be X, the other will be O.

5: First player marks any empty square with their symbol
Place your mark in one of the nine squares.

6: Alternate turns placing marks
Players take turns marking one empty square at a time.

7: Aim for three in a row
The first player to line up three of their marks horizontally, vertically, or diagonally wins.

8: Block your opponent
If your opponent is about to win, place your mark to stop them.

9: End of game
If all nine squares are filled with no winner, it’s a draw (also called a “cat’s game”).

10: Play again
Switch who goes first for the next game.

Tic Tac Toe Rules (Summary)

• Players take turns placing their symbol in empty squares.
• First to three in a row wins.
• If the grid is full with no winner, the game ends in a draw.
• Players cannot skip or take multiple turns in a row.

Variations to Try

• 5×5 Grid (Five in a Row) – Extend the board and make five in a row to win.
• Ultimate Tic Tac Toe – A grid of grids where each small game determines moves in the big one.
• Themed Symbols – Use hearts and stars, animals, or holiday icons instead of Xs and Os.

Tips for Winning

• Start in a corner – This gives the most possible winning lines.
• Take the center – If your opponent doesn’t, grab it — it’s the strongest position.
• Block immediately – Never allow your opponent two in a row without blocking.
• Create a fork – Set up two ways to win at once so your opponent can’t block both.

Tic Tac Toe FAQs

Rules FAQs

Do you have to play X first?
Traditionally yes, but you can choose who starts.

Can you play with more than two players?
Not in the classic version, but you can rotate in new players each round.

Strategy FAQs

What’s the best opening move?
A corner gives you the most winning options.

Can Tic Tac Toe end without a winner?
Yes — this is called a draw or “cat’s game.”

Is there a perfect strategy?
Yes. With perfect play from both players, the game always ends in a draw.

History FAQs

How old is Tic Tac Toe?
Games similar to Tic Tac Toe date back to ancient Rome, where it was called Terni Lapilli.

Where does the name come from?
“Tic Tac Toe” became popular in the United States in the 20th century; in the UK, it’s known as “Noughts and Crosses.”