Tic-tac-toe rules for 3×3, 4×4 and 5×5
Winning lines, the starting player and actual settings. Local play, computer strengths and live-room rules explained distinctly.
Read guideGAME GUIDES
Tic-Tac-Toe: rules, strategy and guides
Tic-tac-toe on 3×3, 4×4 and 5×5: winning lengths, forks, open threes and offset diagonals with explained examples.
Position as text
X: b2, c3. O: a1. To move: O. Rows count from the top.
You need three marks on 3×3 and four on 4×4 and 5×5. The large-board guide treats the two larger sizes separately. Original puzzles with expandable answers help you practise.
Rules
Strategy & tactics
Tic-tac-toe strategy: wins, blocks and forks
A reliable decision routine for classic 3×3. An original fork position, defensive ideas and the limits of transferring them to larger boards.
Read guideTic-tac-toe on 4×4 and 5×5: detailed strategy tips
Ten or 28 winning lines, open threes, gaps, forks and offset diagonals. Original examples for our four-in-a-row winning condition.
Read guideExercises
Tic-tac-toe puzzles on three board sizes
Five puzzles on 3×3, 4×4 and 5×5 with labelled boards, hints and answers. Every position comes from a legal move sequence.
Read guideVariants & regions
Tic-tac-toe variants: board size is only one rule
Distinguish our three sizes, free placement and four-line objective from gomoku, gravity games and spatial variants. Includes a clear comparison table.
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