Make your first move. If you are the first player, you have two choices. You can either mark the center or a corner square. Avoid marking the other four squares, which are also known as edge squares. The steps for each case will be given below.
If you mark the center as your first move, the opponent will then either mark a corner or the edges.
If they mark a corner, you should place your mark in such a way that all three marks will form a straight diagonal line, as shown. If their next move is just next to their existing mark, you will have two chances of winning, as described by the two green lines in the diagram. Other than that, you will end up in a tie (if you keep counter-attacking them).
If they mark an edge, put your next mark in any of the two corners furthest from their mark, as shown in the diagram below as yellow squares. If they block your attempt to win, you are on your way to winning! Just simply block their attempt of winning by placing your mark in that particular corner and you will be in a position where you will have two chances of winning, as described in the diagram as two straight green lines. But if they didn't block you, you will still win anyway!
If you mark a corner square as your first move, there will be three potential responses by your opponent: They will mark at the center, the furthest square from your mark or the others.
If they chose to mark the furthest square, as shown in the diagram, you can win by playing in either of the remaining corners:
If they mark the center, you will mark in such a way that all the three marks will form a straight diagonal line, as shown in the diagram. They will then have a choice of marking the corner or the other squares. If they (a) mark a corner, you are well on the way to winning! Mark the last corner, as shown in the diagram. You will have two chances of winning, as described in the diagram as two straight green lines. However, if they (b) mark any other squares, you will end up in a tie (if you keep counter-attacking them)
If they mark the other squares, you place your mark one space away from your opponent's mark, as shown in the diagram. This step will trick your opponent into thinking that you are attempting to win. So your opponent will naively block your attempt. If they fall for it, you will simply mark the last corner, as shown in the diagram. You will have two chances of winning, as described in the diagram as two straight green lines. If they do not block your attempt, you won the game already!
-If they go first-
Consider your strategy based on their first move. Your opponent will choose to place it at the center or corners.
If they mark the center, you must mark a corner immediately, as shown in the diagram.
If they place their mark in the opposite corner of yours, they are actually using the strategy above! Put your next mark in any square that's not next to your first mark (colored in green in this image). Then it's just a matter of blocking until a tie is reached.
If they mark any other squares, simply block them. You will end up in a tie.
If they mark a corner, you must mark the center or you will lose against a good opponent.
After you mark the center, they have two choices.
If they place their mark such that all the marks will form a straight diagonal line, mark any edges and avoid marking any corner, as shown in the diagram as yellow squares. You will end up in a tie.
[Tic-Tac-Toe] Strategy guide
[Tic-Tac-Toe] Strategy guide -
03-12-2008
Linear Mode
