Think you’ve mastered tic tac toe? Think again.
The 3D version—played on a 4×4×4 cube—opens up an entirely new dimension of gameplay. With 76 possible ways to win, this game is less about guessing and more about strategy, spatial awareness, and forward thinking.
Whether you’re playing against friends or trying to beat Hermiobot (our clever little AI), here are five solid tips to help you improve your game—and maybe even dominate the cube.
1. 🎯 Control the Centre
Just like in chess, the centre is powerful.
The very middle of the cube (that’s layer 2, row 2, column 2) connects to the most winning lines—13, in fact! Owning that space gives you control over multiple planes and makes it easier to launch future threats.
💡 Tip: Grab a central position early, and you’ll have more options than your opponent.
2. 🔍 Rotate the Cube Often
It’s easy to focus on just one side, especially if you’re new to 3D play. But danger—and opportunity—can come from any direction.
Make it a habit to rotate the cube regularly during your turn. Look at it from the top, sides, and even diagonal angles. This helps you:
- Spot your opponent’s threats
- Catch emerging win paths
- Avoid tunnel vision
💡 Tip: Diagonal lines that pass through layers are often missed until it’s too late—don’t let them sneak up on you!
3. ❌ Block, But Don’t Overblock
Defence is important—but only defending will eventually get you cornered.
Instead of reacting to every single move your opponent makes, look for chances to build your own win while blocking theirs. Ideally, your move should do both at once.
💡 Tip: Before every move, ask yourself: “Does this block a threat? And can it also build mine?”
4. 🪤 Set Up “Forks”
A fork is when you create two potential wins with a single move—forcing your opponent to choose which one to block. They can only stop one, which means you win on the next turn.
Look for patterns where placing your marker creates multiple 3-in-a-rows that only need one more to win.
💡 Tip: The corners and edges of the cube are great spots to fork across different planes.
5. 🧠 Practice Pattern Recognition
Winning at 3D Tic Tac Toe is as much about vision as it is about logic. With so many possible combinations, the key is to train your brain to see patterns quickly.
Here’s how:
- Think of each layer like a flat grid, then stack them in your mind
- Look for repeating shapes—L’s, diagonals, straight lines
- Visualise how placing a marker connects across levels
💡 Tip: The more you play, the more your brain adapts. You’ll start “seeing” the cube differently after just a few matches.
🎮 Bonus Tip: Learn from Hermiobot
Don’t sleep on the AI.
Hermiobot plays fast and smart—and it’s a great way to practice in between human games. Try watching how it blocks, when it builds, and how it spots hidden lines. You’ll pick up plenty just by playing a few rounds.
🏁 Wrapping Up
3D Tic Tac Toe is easy to learn, but tricky to master—and that’s what makes it so satisfying. By controlling the centre, rotating the cube, setting traps, and thinking a few steps ahead, you’ll quickly move from rookie to ruthless.
Ready to put these strategies into action?
👉 Play Now
👀 Or check out our How to Play Guide if you’re just getting started
Good luck out there—and may the best cube strategist win!