How to play Ultimate Tic-Tac-Toe
Ultimate Tic-Tac-Toe is nine tic-tac-toe boards inside one big board. It's quick to learn but needs real strategy. UTTT+ adds the + twist.
The basic rule
- X goes first and can play anywhere.
- Where you play sends your opponent. If you play in the top-right square of a small board, your opponent must play in the top-right small board.
- Win a small board with three in a row to claim it on the big board.
- If you're sent to a board that's already won or full, you can play on any open board.
- Win three small boards in a row to win the game.
The four modes
Tic-Tac-Toe
Get three Xs or Os in a row, column, or diagonal.
Tic-Tac-Toe Plus
Play on a 4×4 board and get four in a row, column, or diagonal. Each move has a 1/6 chance to become +. A + counts for either player. There can be at most 3 + symbols.
Ultimate Tic-Tac-Toe
Win local boards to win the overall game. Your cell choice decides the opponent's next board. If that board is already complete, the opponent may play on any open board.
Ultimate Tic-Tac-Toe Plus
Ultimate on 4×4 local boards. Each local board can hold up to 3 + symbols; each move has a 1/6 chance to become +, which counts for either player. A won board's overall result can also turn into +, with a separate maximum of 3 on the big board.
Beginner strategy tips
- Think about where you send your opponent, not just where you play.
- Avoid sending them to a board where they can win straight away.
- The centre board is powerful, but don't let your opponent get free moves to it.
- Sending someone to a finished board gives them a free choice. Only do it if you have to.
- In Plus modes, a + counts for both players, so watch lines it could complete for either side.