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How to Never Lose at Tic-Tac-Toe
ChannelHowcastIn 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
- Draw a 3x3 tic-tac-toe grid on paper with pen or pencil.
- Win the first move by choosing X or O (e.g., coin flip).
- Place your first mark in the center square.
- After opponent moves, pick the square to their right if available.
- If right is taken, choose the square to their left instead.
- If neither right nor left is free, place your mark above their last move.
- If all else is blocked, mark the square below their last move.
- 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.
-
-
Like these Kid's Activities !!! Check out the official app apple.co/1ThDIrx
Watch more Games for Kids videos: howcast.com/videos/180624-How-to-Never-Lose-at-…
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.
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- 1:49
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- October 28, 2009
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