Almost anyone knows how to play tic-tac-toe, but not everyone knows the strategy that guarantees they'll never lose another game.

To complete this How-To you will need:

An opponent
A pencil or pen
Paper

Step 1: Draw a tic-tac-toe board

Draw your tic-tac-toe board on a piece of paper using a pen or pencil. It should have nine squares total, with three on the top, three in the middle, and three on the bottom.

Step 2: Get the first turn

Whether you are flipping a coin or throwing dice, you need to win the right to the first move if you don't want to lose the game.

Step 3: Mark the center square

Mark the center square with an "X" or an "O." This is the key to guaranteeing you'll never lose in tic-tac-toe when you have the first move.

Tip: Following this rule will not guarantee you a win. It will guarantee that, even against a tic-tac-toe master, you will never lose.

Step 4: Go to the right

After your opponent makes their mark, look to see if there is a square to the right of it available. If so, take it with your next move.

Step 5: If you can't go right, go left

If the square to the right isn't available, take the square to the left with your next move.

Step 6: If you can't go right or left, go above

If the squares to the right and left are taken, place your next mark above their last mark.

Step 7: If all else fails, go below

If the squares to the right and left and above your opponent's last move are taken, choose the square below it.

Step 8: Repeat

Repeat the right-left-above-and-below rule for each move you play. Congratulations! You may not win, but you'll never be a loser.

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