Noughts and Crosses

Noughts and Crosses — also known as Tic-Tac-Toe Darts or OXO — is a territorial darts game for two players or two teams. The objective is to claim three squares in a row on a 3×3 grid (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) by hitting dartboard targets assigned to each square. Just like the classic pen-and-paper game, the first side to complete an unbroken line of three wins — but here, claiming a square demands accuracy on the dartboard rather than simply choosing where to write.

Draw a standard 3×3 grid on a scoreboard or whiteboard, giving you nine squares. Assign a specific one-dart dartboard target to each square and write it inside the square so both sides can see. The centre square is always the Bullseye (inner bull, 50 points on a standard board). The remaining eight squares are each assigned a distinct target that is challenging but achievable — a mix of trebles, doubles, and specific single segments works well.

A typical grid might look like this:

• Top row: Treble 9 – Small 14 – Double 2
• Middle row: Treble 5 – Bullseye – Small 17
• Bottom row: Large 6 – Treble 7 – Double 1

The exact targets may be agreed upon by the players before the game begins; the grid above is a common recommended layout. Two players (or two teams) are required. One side is designated X (Noughts) and the other O (Crosses) — or each side may use team initials. To determine who throws first, each player throws a single dart at the bullseye; closest to the bull goes first.

Players (or teams) alternate turns. On each turn, the throwing side throws three darts. When a dart lands in a target that corresponds to an unclaimed square on the grid, that side places their mark (X or O) in that square, claiming it.

• Each square can only be claimed once. The first side to hit the assigned target owns the square permanently; the opponent cannot take it away.
• Only the exact assigned target counts for each square. For example, if a square is assigned Treble 9, hitting single 9 or double 9 does not claim that square — only a dart landing in the treble-9 bed counts.
• A dart that lands in a segment not assigned to any unclaimed square has no effect — it is simply a wasted dart.
• It is legal to claim more than one square in a single turn if multiple darts each hit different unclaimed targets.

Players must balance offence (completing their own line of three) with defence (hitting a target to block an opponent who has two in a row). Because claiming a square requires actually hitting a specific target — unlike the pen-and-paper game — there is no guarantee a player can block when needed, which creates more dynamic and unpredictable gameplay.

There are no bust rules, no penalty for missed darts, and no point totals to track. The game is purely territorial: you either hit the target and claim the square, or you do not.

Noughts and Crosses uses a binary claim system rather than a point-based scoring method. There are no running totals or cumulative scores to calculate.

• When a dart lands in the exact target assigned to an unclaimed square, that square is claimed and marked with the throwing side's symbol (X or O).
• When a dart misses all assigned unclaimed targets, nothing is recorded.

For example, if the top-left square is assigned Treble 9 and Team X lands a dart in the treble-9 bed, an X is written in that square immediately. If Team O later throws at treble 9, the hit is meaningless because the square is already claimed. The scoreboard grid itself is the score — simply look at the marks to see each side's position.

The first player or team to place three of their marks in a row wins the game. A valid line of three may run horizontally, vertically, or diagonally across the 3×3 grid — exactly as in traditional tic-tac-toe. The game ends the moment a third mark completes an unbroken line, even if the throwing player has darts remaining in that turn.

If all nine squares are claimed and neither side has completed a line of three, the game is declared a draw. In practice, draws are far less common than in the pen-and-paper version because the difficulty of hitting specific targets means neither side can reliably block every threat. In match play, players may agree to a best-of series (e.g., best of 3 or best of 5 games) to determine an overall winner.

Handicap Noughts and Crosses: To balance a game between players of differing skill levels, assign easier targets (e.g., large single segments) to the weaker player and harder targets (e.g., trebles or doubles) to the stronger player for the same squares. This allows less experienced players to compete on more equal footing.

All-Doubles or All-Trebles: For advanced players seeking a greater challenge, assign only double-ring or only treble-ring targets to every square on the grid. This significantly increases difficulty and extends game length, making it suitable for skilled league players looking to sharpen their precision.

Noughts and Crosses is itself a variant concept adapted from the classic pen-and-paper game Tic-Tac-Toe, reimagined for the dartboard. The core mechanic — three in a row on a 3×3 grid — remains identical; only the method of claiming squares changes.

Claim the Centre Early: The centre square (Bullseye) participates in four possible winning lines — both diagonals, the middle row, and the middle column. No other square appears in more than two or three lines. Making the Bullseye your first priority gives your side the widest range of paths to victory.

Prioritise Corners Over Edges: Each corner square sits on two or three possible lines, whereas each edge square (top-centre, middle-left, etc.) sits on only two. After the centre, target the corner squares to maximise your winning opportunities and limit your opponent's options.

Block Two-in-a-Row Immediately: When your opponent has two marks in a line with the third square still open, you must attempt to claim that blocking square on your next turn — even if it means delaying your own offensive plans. Unlike pen-and-paper tic-tac-toe, there is no guarantee you will hit the target, so attempt the block as early as possible to give yourself multiple chances.

Choose Targets You Can Hit When Setting Up the Grid: Before the game begins, both sides should agree on the assigned targets. If you have input, advocate for targets in segments you practise regularly. A grid loaded with segments you are comfortable throwing at gives you a meaningful edge throughout the entire game.

Spread Your Darts Strategically Each Turn: With three darts per visit, consider splitting your attempts — perhaps two darts at the square you most need, and one dart at a secondary target for opportunistic claiming or blocking. Putting all three darts at the same target is tempting but leaves you with no progress elsewhere if you miss.