Introduction to Noughts and Crosses
Noughts and Crosses is a quick pencil and paper duel you can set up in seconds. Two players use X and O and take turns filling a three by three grid. Each move places a mark in an empty square with the aim of lining up three in a row across, down, or on a diagonal. The first player to form a line wins the round.
Most rounds start with the center since it connects to four winning lines. A corner opener also creates pressure and can lead to early threats. Watch every turn for two in a row and answer danger fast by blocking the open spot. Try to set up a fork. That shape creates two possible winning lines at once, and the other side cannot cover both paths.
With sharp play from both sides, the board often fills and ends in a draw. Perfect play leads to a draw every time, so the test comes from spotting mistakes and turning them into wins. To keep the challenge fresh, some groups use larger boards or ask for longer lines. Others use the misère rule set. In that version you avoid making three in a row. The pastime builds pattern recognition, planning, and quick decision making for both kids and adults.