How to beat the Tic Tac Toe?

[shadow_roman]

I can't beat the tic tac toe in the bar! This is infuriating! And don't tell me to do that "gambit" or whatever keeps floating around the Internet, he doesn't do that anymore.

[Lamkin]

Yeah, that "gambit" doesn't work after this last update. Some yahoo named Lamkin found that, IIRC. :p
If it helps, I did make a post on Amanita's forums about a basic strategy:
http://forum.amanita-design.net/index.php?topic=4136.msg12281#msg12281

With a reminder to *always* block him each and every single time he gets three pieces in a row.

[Lamkin]

Hey, I just figured out a much better strategy. (It's basically one of his strategies.) First, get two pieces in a row: XX
But they can't be right next to any of his pieces; and if he blocks you with a piece on one end, you have to start over.
Then, instead of trying to place three in a row, skip one space: XX_X
Again, if he places one of his pieces on either side of that, you'll have to start over.
Then place that fourth piece in the gap there. He'll block one side, of course, but the other end will be clear to put down your fifth piece.

[Green Eyed Otter]

I also find just focusing on blocking him can sometimes open up options for you.

[GMC]

1. If you can get four in a row with a space at both ends (_XXXX_), you've won. The AI can only block one end on it's turn, so you can get five in a row on your next turn.
   
2. If you can get two lots of three in a row, each with two spaces at one end and one space at the other (_XXX__), you've won (assuming that none of the open spaces are shared between the two rows). The AI can only block one end of one row, so you can convert the other to four in a row (_XXXX_) on the your next turn..
   
3. Even if you can't quite get that, the AI isn't perfect. The main thing is to try to build rows with plenty of open spaces at both ends.
   
4. The above rules reply in reverse. If the AI can get four in a row with a space at both ends, you've lost. If it gets three in a row with space to expand, (_OOO__), you need to block one end.
   
5. The AI gets worse each time it wins. If you want to finish this minigame quickly, try to lose the first two games. By the third attempt, it's quite easy to beat.

[Lamkin]

Originally posted by Miko:

But I just played yesterday and Lamkin's Gambit method worked just fine

It did? Hmm... Yeah, I actually had no idea whether or not it still worked, as I have a Mac and the "definitive" update hasn't been released yet for Mac.

[Inspirare]

After spending nearly an hour on this quest and getting most of my games to a draw..

Here is the workaround I found:
1) go here: http://www.javascripter.net/games/xo/xo.htm
2) select size 10 on field, hit new game
3) make a first move as if you are an opponent X (back in game opponent moves first)
4) use O to counter robot moves back in the game
---
so back the app - you place moves on behalf of your opponent with X's and back in game replicate moves with O's

AI to beat the AI

Worked from the first try for me

[Detective]

INSPIRARE!!! You brilliant and helpful man! You work around was wonderful and worked the first time of course!

[๋NeThZOR]

Originally posted by Inspirare:

After spending nearly an hour on this quest and getting most of my games to a draw..

Here is the workaround I found:
1) go here: http://www.javascripter.net/games/xo/xo.htm
2) select size 10 on field, hit new game
3) make a first move as if you are an opponent X (back in game opponent moves first)
4) use O to counter robot moves back in the game
---
so back the app - you place moves on behalf of your opponent with X's and back in game replicate moves with O's

AI to beat the AI

Worked from the first try for me
:salvador:

Was a draw first game (my own attempts were mostly draws too).

Won the 2nd game with your method :D

[RS]

Originally posted by Inspirare:

After spending nearly an hour on this quest and getting most of my games to a draw..

Here is the workaround I found:
1) go here: http://www.javascripter.net/games/xo/xo.htm
2) select size 10 on field, hit new game
3) make a first move as if you are an opponent X (back in game opponent moves first)
4) use O to counter robot moves back in the game
---
so back the app - you place moves on behalf of your opponent with X's and back in game replicate moves with O's

AI to beat the AI

Worked from the first try for me
:salvador:

thank you its work for me on 1st try ♥♥♥

[ctf_gooncave]

Originally posted by Lamkin:

Hey, I just figured out a much better strategy. (It's basically one of his strategies.) First, get two pieces in a row: XX
But they can't be right next to any of his pieces; and if he blocks you with a piece on one end, you have to start over.
Then, instead of trying to place three in a row, skip one space: XX_X
Again, if he places one of his pieces on either side of that, you'll have to start over.
Then place that fourth piece in the gap there. He'll block one side, of course, but the other end will be clear to put down your fifth piece.

That worked for me on the 2nd try. Thanks!

[LaurenThemself]

Inspirare, you are a LEGEND. Thank you.

[Fiona the Gamer]

I remember this mini game, it's really play your mind.

If you won your 1st try, congratulations. It's either your lucky day, or have a very gifted skill.

It took me the 3rd try to beat the AI, 3rd time is really the charm. Most of the time, the AI do poorly at the 3rd round.

Sometimes if luck or skill is not in your favor like it took the 4th try to beat it, don't worry it happened in my 2nd play through. Just keep trying.

[Panzer Grenadier]

I bought this game months ago and i'm still stuck on this damn game.

[Hannibal Lahr]

Originally posted by Inspirare:

After spending nearly an hour on this quest and getting most of my games to a draw..

Here is the workaround I found:
1) go here: http://www.javascripter.net/games/xo/xo.htm
2) select size 10 on field, hit new game
3) make a first move as if you are an opponent X (back in game opponent moves first)
4) use O to counter robot moves back in the game
---
so back the app - you place moves on behalf of your opponent with X's and back in game replicate moves with O's

AI to beat the AI

Worked from the first try for me
:salvador:

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ that worked in one try. Cheers, mate!

[Zangdaarr]

While overall cool Machinarium is full of stupid puzzle and this one is THE one that ruins the game.