Ultimate Tic-Tac-Toe: Rules and How to Play
Win small boards, then claim three in a row on the big board. Each move sends your opponent to a matching small board. For 2 players. Free, no sign-up.
Setup
- For 2 players. Playing alone, you face the computer.
- Nine small 3×3 boards form one big 3×3 board (81 squares). X goes first, then O. The first seat starts; the first move switches after each game.
How to play
- The first move can go anywhere. After that, the position you just played inside its small board sends your opponent to the matching small board next. For example, playing in the top-right square sends them to the top-right small board. If that board is already decided (won or drawn), your opponent may play in any undecided board instead.
- Winning three in a row inside a small board claims it — a large X or O marks the claimed board, and that small board can no longer be played. If a small board fills with no line of three, it is drawn and closed.
Winning and scoring
- Line up three claimed boards on the big grid to win. If every small board is decided with no line on the big grid, the whole game is a draw.
- You may give up at any time; giving up loses the game.
Defaults on this site
| Item | Default on this site |
|---|---|
| Players | 2 players (set automatically by the party size) |
| Turn time limit | None by default (the host can set 30 or 60 seconds) |
| If someone drops mid-game | Reopening on the same device returns you to your seat. If you do not return, the CPU plays in your place. |
| Draws | In ranked play, a draw counts as halfway between a win and a loss for your rating. |
| Source of the rules | Based on the standard reference rules |
Rules supervised by Qdan, Inc. (based on the standard reference rules)
House rules
Defaults follow the standard reference rules. The party can change these.
| Name | Description | Default | Changeable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alternate first move | Switch who goes first (X) after each game. | On | Yes |
Terms
- Small board
- One of the nine 3x3 boards that make up Ultimate Tic-Tac-Toe.
- Big board
- The overall 3x3 grid of claimed small boards in Ultimate Tic-Tac-Toe.
- Send
- The small board your opponent must play in next, decided by where you just played.
FAQ
What happens if I'm sent to a finished board?
If that small board is already decided, you may play in any undecided board instead.
Can a game be drawn?
Yes. If every small board is decided with no line of three claimed boards, the game is a draw.
Play now with these rules
Last updated 2026-10-30 · Run by Qdan, Inc.