#$+KTicTactics Help Index
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The Index lists all TicTactics Help topics.

To learn how to use Help, choose Using Help from the Help menu, or press F1.

How to Play
Overview
Playing the Game
Rules of the Game
Strategy and Hints

Commands
Game Menu Commands
Options Menu Commands

#$+KOverview
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TicTactics is an exciting new variation on the traditional game, tic-tac-toe.

There are three different boards to choose from: the original 3x3 tic-tac-toe game, a more challenging 3x3x3 game, and a thought-provoking 4x4x4 game.

The 3x3 game is easy to play.  The object of the game is to be the first player to line up three pieces in a row.

The 3x3x3  game is more complicated.  The object is the same, but now, instead of the two-dimensional horizontal, vertical, and diagonal rows, the game is three-dimensional.

The 4x4x4 game is a challenge for any player.  With 16 squares and more than 70 possible winning rows, not only is it difficult to figure out where your opponent is trying to attack, but it is difficult to plan your own attack.
Related Topics
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{bmc blkdiam.bmp}	Playing the Game
{bmc blkdiam.bmp}	Rules of the Game
{bmc blkdiam.bmp}	Strategy and Hints

#$+K Playing the Game
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The object of TicTactics is to be the first player to line up three playing pieces in a row, horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.  In the 4x4x4 game, you must line up four pieces in a row.  The following section explains how to play the game.

To Choose a Board Type:
{bmc blkarow.bmp}	From the Game menu, choose the type of board you want:  3x3, 3x3x3, or 4x4x4.
To Choose a Skill Level:
{bmc blkarow.bmp}	From the Options menu, choose Beginner, Intermediate, or Expert.
To Start a New Game:
{bmc blkarow.bmp}	From the Game menu, choose New, or press F2.
To Occupy a Square:
{bmc blkarow.bmp}	Move the pointer to the desired location, and click the left mouse button.
Related Topics
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{bmc blkdiam.bmp}	Rules of the Game
{bmc blkdiam.bmp}	Overview
{bmc blkdiam.bmp}	Strategy and Hints

#$+K Rules of the Game
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TicTactics Rules:
{bmc bull.bmp}	The game board is a 3x3, 3x3x3, or 4x4x4 grid of squares.
{bmc bull.bmp}	To win, you must line up three pieces in a row: horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.  In the 4x4x4 game, you must line up four pieces in a row.
{bmc bull.bmp}	During your turn, you can occupy any free square.
{bmc bull.bmp}	Players alternate taking turns until either one player wins or no free squares remain.  If neither player wins, the game is a draw.
Note:  The opponent's piece is always red.  If you do not have a color monitor, red balls appear solid and blue balls appear patterned.
Related Topics
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{bmc blkdiam.bmp}	Playing the Game
{bmc blkdiam.bmp}	Overview
{bmc blkdiam.bmp}	Strategy and Hints

#$+K Game Menu Commands
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New
Starts a new game of TicTactics.
You can start a new game at any time, even in the middle of a game.
3x3, 3x3x3, or 4x4x4
Displays your choice of TicTactics board.
Exit
Exits TicTactics.
You can exit at any time, even in the middle of a game.

#$+K Options Menu Commands
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Beginner, Intermediate, or Expert
Sets the skill level for your computer opponent.
Color
Turns color on or off.
Note:  You should turn on color only if you have a color monitor.
Random, Red, or Blue Player Starts
Decides which player begins each game.
Note:  The opponent's piece is always red.  If you do not have a color monitor, red balls appear solid and blue balls appear patterned.

#$+K How to Play
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This section contains information about how to play TicTactics.

Overview
Playing the Game
Rules of the GameStrategy and Hints

#$+KCommands
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This section contains information about the menu commands in TicTactics.

Game Menu Commands
Options Menu Commands

#$ Free Square

A free square is a square that is not occupied by any player's piece.

#$+KStrategy and Hints
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This section contains helpful hints for playing TicTactics successfully.

{bmc bull.bmp}	The only way to beat a smart opponent is to create a "split," where you line up two (or three) pieces in a row, in two places on the board.  Then, regardless of where your opponent moves, you will win on the next turn.  Of course, your opponent will be trying to create a split as well, so be aware.
{bmc bull.bmp}	By lining up two (or three) of your pieces in a row, you can dictate your opponent's next move.  He or she must try to block your win.  Use this strategy to control your opponent's moves until you can create a split.
{bmc bull.bmp}	In the 3x3 game, you should always be able to force a draw, regardless of who moves first.
{bmc bull.bmp}	In the 3x3x3 game, if you move first, you should be able to win every time.
{bmc bull.bmp}	In the 4x4x4 game, either opponent should be able to win.  Clearly, the player who moves first has the advantage, but a smart second player can win a significant number of games.
Related Topics
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{bmc blkdiam.bmp}	Playing the Game
{bmc blkdiam.bmp}	Rules of the Game