Tic Tac Toe
9x9 board - Get 5 in a row to win!
Get 5 in a row (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) to win!
About Tic Tac Toe
Tic tac toe is a 3×3 game of perfect information: both players see everything and nothing is left to chance. That makes it the clearest possible demonstration of a solved game — played correctly by both sides, it always ends in a draw.
Why it always draws
With nine squares and alternating turns, the whole game tree is small enough to search completely. Every position has a known best reply, so a player who never errs cannot lose. The first player has the advantage only in that they have more chances to punish a mistake — not because a forced win exists against correct play.
How do I win against someone who is not perfect?
Create a fork: a move that opens two winning lines at once, so blocking one still loses to the other. The standard trap is taking opposite corners after a centre opening. Against a careful opponent it will not work, which is the point of the game.
Is going first actually better?
Only against imperfect play. Both first and second player can force at least a draw, so the advantage is practical rather than theoretical: the opening player sets the shape and the follower must respond precisely from move one.