I was streaming a game last month and saw something similar. The girl playing 'X' was one square away from winning. 'O' made a shot, came to the center court, and did not block her! 'X' won on the next shot. I couldn't believe the stupidity.For those wondering why I asked this question, during a timeout at the game, UTEP runs a contest between two people where they must first make a layup, then run to center court and lay either their X or O on the mat, until someone wins. It amazes me that: 1. Hardly anyone lays their first piece in the center square. 2. Most don't recognize how to block their opponent from winning. 3. Most don't recognize they're one move away from winning the game. Such a simple game that today's youth no longer seem able to play.
As far as the center square goes, it's actually a much better strategy to start in one of the corners. You're opponent will usually then take the center square, at which point you should take the opposite corner. Most times your opponent will take one of the two open corners (unless they're smart). Place your 'X' in the remaining corner to block and you've won, as you have two ways to win and your opponent can only block one of them.
Of course winning at tic-tic-toe requires your opponent to be either stupid or to make a mistake. A game of tic-tac-toe between two careful, intelligent players will always end in a draw.
It's a sad state of affairs when discussing tic-tac-toe is more interesting than writing about Miner Basketball. :-(
