Tic-Tac-Toe Rules

The quick rulebook for classic Tic-Tac-Toe — perfect for a fast refresher.

New to the game? Read How to Play. Want examples? Try the Walkthrough.

Goal

Get three of your marks in a row: horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

Turns

  • Players alternate turns, placing one mark at a time.
  • X goes first.

Legal Moves

You may place your mark on any empty square. Once a square is filled, it cannot be used again.

Draws

If all squares are filled and no one has three in a row, the game is a draw.

Options

  • Play Human vs Human, Human vs Computer, or Computer vs Computer.
  • Add player names and choose a theme or mark style at any time.

Want a shorter version? See How to Play.