Controls

You play by tapping an empty square to place your mark. X always goes first, then players alternate. That is the whole control scheme, which is part of why the game is so easy to start.

The board and the goal are simple:

• Your mark goes in any empty square on the three-by-three grid. Once placed, it stays, so each of your nine possible squares is a decision.
• A winning line is any three of your marks in a row, whether across, down, or diagonally. The first player to make one wins the round.

If every square fills with no line of three, the round is a draw, which happens often between careful players.

The computer sharpens across eight levels, from an opponent that misses chances to one that plays flawlessly and forces draws unless you find a real opening.

Tips

• Take the center when you can. The middle square is part of four possible lines, more than any other spot, so controlling it gives you the most ways to make three in a row.
• Block your opponent's two-in-a-row immediately. If they have two marks lined up with an open third, you must block it that turn, because ignoring it hands them the win.
• Look for a fork. Setting up a position where you threaten two lines at once means your opponent can only block one, guaranteeing you complete the other.
• Watch for their forks too. The same trap works against you, so when you see a move that would give your opponent two threats, cut it off before they can set it up.
• Grab a corner over an edge. Corner squares belong to three winning lines while edge squares belong to only two, so corners give you more chances to build a threat.
• Accept that good play often draws. Against a careful opponent, a draw is the correct result, so your real goal is to stay sharp and pounce only when they finally slip.

Frequently asked questions