Can the computer be beaten?

No. The computer uses a strategy that considers every possible continuation and always picks a move that cannot lose. With perfect play from both sides, Tic-Tac-Toe is always a draw, so the best you can do against the computer is force a tie.

How do you force a draw against a perfect player?

Reply to the centre by taking a corner, always block the opponent the moment they have two in a line, and look out for moves that create two threats at once so you can stop them before they appear. Play those correctly and the game ends in a draw every time.

Can I play against another person?

Yes. Two-player mode lets you and a friend share one screen, taking turns as X and O. The score tracker keeps a running tally of how many games each of you has won, so a session can be a best-of series.

Is this free, and do I need an account?

It is completely free and there is no account or sign-up. You just open the page and play. There is no paid tier and no limit on how many games you start.

Tic-Tac-Toe

Play Tic-Tac-Toe free in your browser against a friend on the same screen, or against a computer that plays perfectly and never loses. Take turns marking the 3x3 grid and try to get three in a row. A running score tracker keeps count across games, and you can restart instantly.

Free, with no ads in the way
No sign-up, no app
Plays instantly in your browser
Scores stay on your device
Works offline after first load

Read the guide: The Unbeatable Tic-Tac-Toe Strategy

Your move (X)

You (X)

Draws

CPU (O)

The computer plays a perfect game and never loses. Aim for the draw.

How to use it

1
Pick a mode

Choose two-player to play a friend on one screen, or take on the computer. In computer mode it plays an unbeatable strategy.
2
Take your turns

Click an empty square to place your mark. You and your opponent alternate between X and O until someone makes a line or the board fills.
3
Get three in a row

Line up three of your marks in a row, column or diagonal to win. The score tracker counts wins, losses and draws across games.

When it comes in handy

A quick two-player game

It is the fastest way to settle something with a friend, with nothing to set up and a game over in seconds.

Testing the perfect player

The computer never loses, so the real challenge is whether you can force the draws and avoid the traps.

Teaching strategy

It is a clear first example of thinking a move ahead, which makes it a good game to play with a child learning to plan.

Free, private & 100% in your browser

The game runs right here in your browser. There is no sign-up and no limit on how many rounds you play, your scores stay on your own device, and once the page has loaded it keeps working even with no connection.

Frequently asked questions

Can the computer be beaten?: No. The computer uses a strategy that considers every possible continuation and always picks a move that cannot lose. With perfect play from both sides, Tic-Tac-Toe is always a draw, so the best you can do against the computer is force a tie.
How do you force a draw against a perfect player?: Reply to the centre by taking a corner, always block the opponent the moment they have two in a line, and look out for moves that create two threats at once so you can stop them before they appear. Play those correctly and the game ends in a draw every time.
Can I play against another person?: Yes. Two-player mode lets you and a friend share one screen, taking turns as X and O. The score tracker keeps a running tally of how many games each of you has won, so a session can be a best-of series.
Is this free, and do I need an account?: It is completely free and there is no account or sign-up. You just open the page and play. There is no paid tier and no limit on how many games you start.