How to Play Ultimate Tic-Tac-Toe

Objective of the Game

Ultimate Tic-Tac-Toe is a strategic twist on the classic Tic-Tac-Toe. Instead of one small 3x3 grid, you play on a larger 3x3 grid of smaller Tic-Tac-Toe boards. The objective is to win three small boards in a row, either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, to win the overall game.

Game Setup

• The game consists of nine mini Tic-Tac-Toe boards arranged in a 3x3 grid.
• Each player takes turns playing either 'X' or 'O'.
• The players alternate turns, just like in regular Tic-Tac-Toe.

Gameplay Rules

1. On your turn, you must play your mark ('X' or 'O') in one of the empty cells in any of the mini boards.
2. The board you choose must follow this rule: Your move determines the next board for your opponent.

   For example, if you play in the top-left corner of any mini-board, your opponent must play in the top-left mini-board on their next turn.

3. If your move sends your opponent to a mini-board that is already won or full, they can play anywhere on the larger grid.
4. To win a mini-board, you must achieve a regular Tic-Tac-Toe win within that mini-board (three in a row, either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally).

Winning the Game

The goal of Ultimate Tic-Tac-Toe is to win three mini-boards in a row on the larger board. You can win the game by achieving three wins in a row either:

• Horizontally
• Vertically
• Diagonally

Advanced Strategies

• Plan Ahead: Since your move determines where your opponent plays, think ahead about where you're sending them. Try to send them to boards where they don't have a strong position or are forced to block your move.
• Force a Win: If your opponent sends you to a board where you can win, you must seize the opportunity, but also be careful to avoid setting them up for wins as well...
• Play Defensively: Sometimes it's better to block your opponent’s potential win rather than focusing solely on your own. Balancing between offense and defense is key to Ultimate Tic-Tac-Toe.

Special Situations

• Full Boards: If a mini-board is completely filled with no winner, it is considered a draw and that board is no longer available for play. However, it still counts as part of the larger grid, meaning your move may direct your opponent to a full or drawn board.
• Locked Boards: Once a player wins a mini-board, no further moves can be made on that board, and it remains locked with the winner's mark for the rest of the game. This is also true when a board is full (drawn)
• Ties: If the larger grid is filled with no overall winner (no player has three mini-board wins in a row and all boards are locked), the game ends in a draw.

Tips for Beginners

• Start Simple: Don’t overthink your first few moves. Just focus on learning how the board works.
• Focus on Control: Pay attention to where your move sends your opponent. Maintaining control of where they play can give you a huge advantage.
• Watch the Whole Board: Don’t just focus on one mini-board. Pay attention to the overall game to avoid getting surprised by your opponent’s strategy.