Speaker: Jacob van Hook

Abstract: Tic-Tac-Toe is a classical children’s game in which two players take turns placing symbols into a 3×3 grid in an attempt to make three in a row. However, anyone who has played the game extensively will tell you that ties are a common outcome. This is because if both players play perfectly the game will result in a tie—neither player has a guaranteed winning strategy. I will discuss variations to the game, whether it be to the rules, to the playing grid, or both and discuss winning strategies in a variety of examples. I encourage bringing something to write with (paper and pencil, or an iPad) in order to play example games with those around you.