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Tips for Tic Tac Toe

Tic tac toe is a common children's game that consists of a three-by-three grid of squares, where players alternate writing X's and O's in an attempt to get three X's or O's in a row, horizontally, vertically or diagonally. Tic tac toe is a simple game, and by understanding the basic strategy of the game, you can always force a draw or win.

Going First
- Going first is hugely advantageous in tic tac toe. Between two novice players who don't have much strategy, a player who goes first will be almost twice as likely to win. Tic tac toe has three types of spaces: four corners, four side spaces, and one center space. Many people who go first play the middle because the spot is unique; don't do this. The best spot to go on the first turn is in one of the four corners. If you play in one of the corners, the opponent has to play in the middle on his first turn, or you can win every time. If the opponent responds to your corner play by playing in a different corner, put your second X in one of the remaining corners. This will force the opponent to block you; next put a third X in the final corner to create a fork (two spots where you only need one X to win) to win the game.
  If your opponent puts an O on a side space after your corner start, respond by putting an X in the middle. The opponent will have to play an O in the corner opposite your first move to block you. Now play in one of the open corners--you may have to block the opponent in one of the corners so make sure to play in the right one. This will create a another fork that will allow you to win.
Going Second
- Going second in tic tac toe is disadvantageous, but if you know what you are doing, you can force a draw in every game, and sometimes win against novices.
  If your opponent plays in the corner to start, place an O in the middle. Your opponent will likely play in the opposite corner next; respond by playing on one of the side spaces to force him to block you. For the next few moves you and your opponent will be forced to block each other from winning until the game is a draw.
  If your opponent plays in the center to start, you must play in a corner space or he can create a fork by playing in the remaining corner spaces. If your opponent starts in a side space, play in the middle, then block him if necessary. In general, as you play tic tac toe, your goal should be to prioritize the center space (other than when going first) and then the corner spaces, and force your opponent to block you as much as possible, while blocking your opponent whenever you have to keep her from winning.

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