How to Play

Objective

Be the first player to win three small Tic-Tac-Toe boards in a row, column, or diagonal on the main 3x3 grid.

Gameplay Flow

• The First Move: Player X starts the game and can place their mark on any empty square in any of the nine small boards.
• The Crucial Rule: The location of your move in a small board dictates the *only* board your opponent can play in next. For example, if you place an 'X' in the top-right square of a small board, your opponent *must* place their 'O' in the top-right small board.
• Winning a Small Board: You win a small board by getting three of your marks in a row, just like classic Tic-Tac-Toe. That small board is then marked with a large version of your symbol and is captured for the rest of the game.

Special Condition: Free Choice

If your opponent's move sends you to a small board that has already been won, or is completely full (a draw), you are granted a "free choice." This means you can place your mark on any empty square in *any* of the other unfinished small boards on the main grid.