How to Play Ultimate Tic Tac Toe

Master the 9×9 strategy game. Learn the rules, flow, and winning tactics.

Quick overview

  • There are nine 3×3 boards arranged in a 3×3 grid.
  • Win a local board to claim that square on the global board.
  • Your move sends your opponent to the matching local board.
  • If that board is full or already won, they can play anywhere.

  1. Understand the Board

    Ultimate Tic Tac Toe is a 3×3 grid of 3×3 boards. Win local boards to claim squares on the global board.

  2. First Move

    Player X starts on any cell in any local board — there is no restriction for the first move.

  3. Send Your Opponent

    Your move determines where your opponent must play next: the cell index you choose sends them to that corresponding local board.

  4. When a Board Is Full or Won

    If the directed local board is already won or full, your opponent may play in any open board.

  5. Win Condition

    Win three local boards in a row (row, column, or diagonal) on the global board to win the game.

Turn walkthrough

  1. X plays in the center of the top-left board (index 4).
  2. O must now play somewhere in the center board.
  3. O chooses the bottom-right cell (index 8) of that board.
  4. X must now play in the bottom-right local board, and so on.

Strategy Tips

  • Prioritize sending your opponent to bad boards while keeping multiple options for yourself.
  • Control the center local boards; they redirect to many valuable spots.
  • When forced, defend the opponent's imminent global three-in-a-row first.
  • Consider future redirects before claiming a local win that sends them to a dangerous board.

Common mistakes

  • Ignoring the redirect: every move dictates your opponent's next board.
  • Winning a local board that sends the opponent to an easy global win.
  • Overlooking tied local boards; they don't claim the global square.

FAQ

What happens if a local board ties?
A tied local board does not award the global square to either player; it remains neutral.
Can I play anywhere on the first turn?
Yes. The first move can be in any cell of any local board.
How do I know where to play next?
Look at the cell index of your opponent's last move; that index selects the local board you must play in.
How long are games typically?
Games usually take 5–15 minutes depending on player skill and whether boards fill up or are won quickly.
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