How the boards connect
X starts anywhere. After that, the cell you choose sends your opponent to the corresponding mini board for their next move. You need to consider both what your mark does on the current board and which board it gives your opponent.
The overall goal is to win three mini boards in a row on the large board. A local win matters because of where that mini board sits in the larger pattern.
An important rule in this version
A won mini board stays playable until it is full. Winning a board does not close it to further moves. If a move directs you to a won board that still has space, you continue to play there.
Only a full destination board gives free choice. When the board you are sent to is full, you may choose another board. Keep this distinction in mind if you have played a version that treats won boards differently.
Think about the next move
Before placing a mark, look at the destination it creates for your opponent. A useful move on your current board may also give them an opportunity elsewhere. Watching both levels of the game is the central planning challenge.
Keep checking whether a destination is full, rather than assuming that a board already won is out of play.
Start a two-player game
Choose Play Ultimate Tic-Tac-Toe to open the game in your browser. The Game Night catalog lists two-player play across devices and persistent statistics.