• Don't be predictable. Change up your game play. If you commonly like to place a piece in the first square try leaving it blank.

• If your opponent is predictable, place pieces to stop them from getting three in a row. For example, if they always place one at the first square, place one there also so that they cannot win with this square.

• Think of a placement pattern before the game starts. Here are some useful patterns to use. Of course they can also be turned on their side or upside down to increase variation.

The h pattern

Lucky 7's

The tabletop

The Triangle

• Making use of a piece twice gives you more chances to win. However, it can also be your downfall if your opponent chooses the same square as your vital piece.

• Once your pieces are laid and the board starts to be revealed quickly remove idle pieces and decide where they would be more effective.

• Remember if both players have a successful line of three, the one that is closest to the top of the board wins. A strategy can be to keep your pieces close to the top.

• Be patient. Wait for the right place to place a piece. Don't always go for the easiest lines. Think of diagonals and columns.

• You can use your extra pieces to block your opponents line. Try placing a piece not in your line in the hope that you will interrupt your opponents line.

• It is advisable to have one or two of your pieces ready so that they available to block your opponent or to snatch a victory. So always remove under-performing pieces that you played in earlier rounds.

• Make sure not to remove a piece that would let your opponent win. Also think about which of your pieces could make a successful line of three. You also need to think about where they are going to try to win to give yourself a free line or to block their win.

Yellow shouldn't move either of the red boxed pieces as this will let blue win. Instead yellow should move the piece in the green square and place it under the other two clear yellow pieces, as shown in the second figure.