Tic Tac Toe

What happens in play

Two players take turns placing a mark on a three-by-three grid. The first to line up three in a row wins, and if the grid fills with no line it is a draw. Poki's version works with a mouse click to place your mark.

Poki lists single player, plus local or online multiplayer with friends. That makes it an easy first game to share with someone: the rules need no explanation, and a round is short.

Because the rules are so small, the interest is in the habits you build: noticing a double threat, blocking in time and not letting the opponent take the centre for free.

Tic Tac Toe is solved, which means careful play on both sides ends in a draw. That is not a flaw: it is why the game is a good introduction to thinking a move ahead. You look for your own lines and for your opponent's at the same time.

Poki offers single player and multiplayer with friends, locally or online. A short round makes it easy to play a few games in a row and swap who goes first, since going first gives a small edge.

The click is the whole interface, so the game is friendly to any device Poki lists. It is a good page to open when you want a break from heavier games like the ones listed next to it.

Keys

Mouse click

Place a mark

Classic noughts and crosses, played with mouse clicks.

Practical pointers

• Take the centre if it is free; it sits on four possible lines.
• Always check whether your opponent has two in a row before you build your own line.
• Try to create two threats at once, so the opponent can block only one.
• If both sides play carefully the result is often a draw, which is normal.
• If you play second, try to take the centre or a corner first.
• Play a few rounds, then swap sides.

Who gets the most from it

Anyone who wants a very short game, and families or friends who like simple rules.

What may put you off

Poki may show ads before or between rounds.

Games between careful players often end in draws.

The game is simple by design, so it may feel too light for some.

Questions about Tic Tac Toe

Neighbours in the box

• Kawaii Fruits 3DAlso decided by where you place a single piece.
• MurderAnother game with a very small control set.