# Tic-Tac-Toe

Classic 3×3 tic-tac-toe against a random AI, an unbeatable minimax AI, or a friend. Keeps score across rounds.

> Canonical page: https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/tic-tac-toe

- **Category:** Games

- **Keywords:** tic-tac-toe, noughts and crosses, minimax, ai opponent, two players, game

## Overview

Play the classic 3x3 Tic-Tac-Toe game directly in your browser against a random AI, an unbeatable minimax AI, or a friend in local two-player mode, complete with score tracking across rounds.

## Inputs

- **Opponent Mode** (select)
- **First Player** (select)

## When to use

- When you want to test your strategic skills against an unbeatable minimax AI algorithm.
- When you need a quick, casual game to pass the time with a friend on the same device.
- When you want to practice basic game theory patterns against a randomized, easy AI opponent.

## How it works

- Select your opponent mode, choosing between Easy AI, Hard AI (minimax), or local Two-player mode.
- Choose which player goes first, setting yourself as Player X or letting the opponent start as Player O.
- Click on the 3x3 grid to place your mark and take turns until a player gets three in a row or the board is full.
- View the updated score tracker at the end of each round and reset the board to play again.

## Use cases

- Challenging yourself to draw against an unbeatable minimax algorithm.
- Playing a quick local match with a friend or colleague during a break.
- Demonstrating basic game theory and decision-tree logic to students using the minimax AI.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I actually beat the Hard AI mode?

No, the Hard AI uses the minimax algorithm, which plays optimally. The best possible outcome against it is a draw.

### Does the game keep track of scores across multiple rounds?

Yes, the game automatically tracks wins, losses, and draws across consecutive rounds.

### Can two people play on the same computer?

Yes, select the 'Two players (local)' option to take turns playing on the same screen.

### Who goes first in the game?

You can configure the first player to be either Player X (you) or Player O (the opponent) before starting.

### What is the difference between the Easy and Hard AI?

The Easy AI makes random moves, while the Hard AI uses a minimax algorithm to block your moves and play flawlessly.

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