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How to Never Lose at Tic-Tac-Toe

4,232,322 views October 28, 2009 1:49

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In brief

Master a foolproof strategy to ensure you never lose at tic-tac-toe, whether playing against beginners or experienced opponents. The method relies on controlling the center and following a simple right-left-above-below pattern for each move. Perfect for anyone who wants to avoid losing, even if winning isn’t guaranteed.

Key steps

  1. Draw a 3x3 tic-tac-toe grid on paper with pen or pencil.
  2. Win the first move by choosing X or O (e.g., coin flip).
  3. Place your first mark in the center square.
  4. After opponent moves, pick the square to their right if available.
  5. If right is taken, choose the square to their left instead.
  6. If neither right nor left is free, place your mark above their last move.
  7. If all else is blocked, mark the square below their last move.
  8. Repeat the right-left-above-below rule for every subsequent turn.

Questions & answers

What if the opponent blocks all four possible moves (right, left, above, below)?

The strategy ensures at least a draw—you’ll never lose if you follow the center-first and right-left-above-below rules.

Does this work if I go second?

No, you must have the first move to guarantee a loss-free game.

Description from the creator

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Almost anyone knows how to play tic-tac-toe, but not everyone knows the strategy that guarantees they'll never lose another game.

Step 1: Draw a tic-tac-toe board
Draw your tic-tac-toe board on a piece of paper using a pen or pencil. It should have nine squares total, with three on the top, three in the middle, and three on the bottom.

Step 2: Get the first turn
Whether you are flipping a coin or throwing dice, you need to win the right to the first move if you don't want to lose the game.

Step 3: Mark the center square
Mark the center square with an "X" or an "O." This is the key to guaranteeing you'll never lose in tic-tac-toe when you have the first move.

Tip
Following this rule will not guarantee you a win. It will guarantee that, even against a tic-tac-toe master, you will never lose.

Step 4: Go to the right
After your opponent makes their mark, look to see if there is a square to the right of it available. If so, take it with your next move.

Step 5: If you can't go right, go left
If the square to the right isn't available, take the square to the left with your next move.

Step 6: If you can't go right or left, go above
If the squares to the right and left are taken, place your next mark above their last mark.

Step 7: If all else fails, go below
If the squares to the right and left and above your opponent's last move are taken, choose the square below it.

Step 8: Repeat
Repeat the right-left-above-and-below rule for each move you play. Congratulations! You may not win, but you'll never be a loser.

Did You Know?
In the movie "WarGames," war is averted when the computer is shown that nuclear war, like tic-tac-toe, can not be won.

About this tutorial

Howcast published this 1:49 video tutorial on October 28, 2009. It has been watched 4,232,322 times on YouTube.

Channel
Howcast
Duration
1:49
Published
October 28, 2009
Views
4,232,322
Likes
6,260

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