Gameplay
2+ Players 👥
5-7 Minutes ⏱️
What You’ll Need
1 printed or drawn 3x3 grid of Tic-Tac-Toe boards (total of 9 mini boards)
Pencils or markers
A flat playing surface
Setup
Draw or print a large 3x3 grid, with each square containing its own mini Tic-Tac-Toe board.
Decide who is X and who is O.
How to Play
Take turns placing Xs and Os: Start with any open spot on any of the 9 boards.
Send your opponent: The spot you choose (top-left, middle-center, bottom-right, etc.) determines which of the 9 boards your opponent must play in next.
Follow the move direction: If a player sends their opponent to a board that’s already won or full, the opponent can choose any board for their turn.
Win mini boards: If you win a mini-board, draw a large X or O across it to show it’s yours.
Win the big board: The first player to win 3 mini-games in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) wins the Ultimate Tic-Tac-Toe!
Say Something Like
"Alright geniuses, it's Tic-Tac-Toe times nine! But here's the twist: wherever you move tells your opponent where theyhave to go next. Think fast, plan ahead, and try to outsmart your opponent to win the ultimate board!"
Variations
Team Brainstorm: Teams of 2-3 decide together where to move next.
Timed Turns: Set a 10-second timer for each move to add pressure.
Dry-Erase Boards: Laminate the game board for replayable fun with dry-erase markers.
Discipleship Teaching Points
Strategic games like this help highlight how small decisions can affect bigger outcomes — a perfect reminder of the long-term impact of our choices. (Galatians 6:7)
Secular Teaching Points
Great for building critical thinking, cause-and-effect reasoning, and forward planning — ideal for classrooms or team-building sessions.
This game idea was published by the team at Dig the Games.
Keywords: here
Transparency: tic tac toe, strategy game, pencil and paper, 2 player game, logic, classroom game