Rules

Basics
The fundamentals of XXXo

Goal

Score more points than your opponent by making 4 or 5 symbols in a row (horizontally, vertically or diagonally) on a 5×5 board.

Turns

  • Player X always starts
  • Players alternate turns
  • Place your symbol in an empty cell
Scoring
How you score in XXXo
4 in a row
1point
5 in a row
2points

Extending an existing 4 to a 5 only awards the extension point (+1), not the full +2.

Important rules
What makes this game strategic
Movement restriction

You may not place next to your own last move. All 8 cells around your last move are forbidden for your next turn.

Bonus turn

If one player has no valid moves left while the other still does, the other player gets one bonus turn. After that the game ends.

Game end

  • Only 1 empty cell left, or
  • Neither player can make a valid move, or
  • No more points can be scored, or
  • After a bonus turn

Player with the most points wins. Equal score = tie.

Strategy
Tips to get better
  • Plan ahead — where can you still play two moves from now?
  • Force your opponent into positions with no good moves.
  • Go for 5 in a row when you can — double points are worth it.
  • Use the movement restriction tactically against yourself too.
  • Create multiple threats at the same time.
Example board
Diagonal from top-left to bottom-right — X has 5 in a row = 2 points.
X
O
X
O
X
O
X
X