Choosing Your Mode

• Play Online (Multiplayer): Challenge a friend on a different device.
• Play Locally (Pass & Play): Play with someone on the same device.

Online Multiplayer Setup

1. Create a Game: One player selects "Play Online" and then clicks "Create New Game". A unique 4-digit Game ID will be displayed. Share this ID with your opponent.
2. Join a Game: The other player selects "Play Online", enters the 4-digit Game ID provided by the first player, and clicks "Join Game".
3. The player who creates the game is Player 'X' and goes first. The player who joins is Player 'O'.

Local Play Setup

Select "Play Locally". Player 'X' goes first. Players take turns making moves on the same device.

Core Gameplay (Applies to Both Modes)

1. The game is played on a 3x3 grid.
2. Players take turns clicking on an empty cell to place their mark ('X' or 'O').
3. The Infinite Twist (6-Mark Limit): The board can only hold a maximum of 6 marks at any time (up to 3 for 'X' and 3 for 'O' if players have placed that many).
4. If a player makes a move and there are already 6 marks on the board:
   • That player's oldest mark currently on the board is automatically removed.
   • The player's new mark is then placed in the chosen cell.
5. Blinking Cue: When there are 6 marks on the board, the current player's oldest mark (the one that will be removed if they place a new mark) will blink slowly to give a visual cue.
6. The first player to get three of their marks in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) wins the game.
7. Tie Condition (Board Full & Reset): If all 9 cells are filled and no one has won (this happens if the "oldest mark removal" rule doesn't lead to a win condition), the game is considered a tie for that round. The board will then automatically clear, and the game resets for a new round, continuing with the player whose turn it was.
8. Reset Game: Players can choose to reset the game manually if it's finished, tied, or if Player X (in online mode) wants to reset while waiting for an opponent.
9. Change Mode: At any time, players can click "Change Mode" to go back to the main screen and select a different play mode.