How to Play
TAKXO starts from a familiar goal: own a complete row, column, or diagonal. The difference is that squares can change hands before they lock.
You may play on an empty square, your own stack, or your opponent's stack.
The top piece controls the square. If your opponent just took a square from you, you cannot take that same square straight back on your next turn.
A full stack is permanent. The top piece owns that square for the rest of the game.
On the 4×4 Standard board, control all four squares in any row, column, or main diagonal.
The key idea: a Take changes ownership and tempo, while a Lock makes ownership permanent. The depth comes from deciding where to fight, when to fortify your own stack, and who benefits from using the final space.
Start with Standard
Standard TAKXO is always 4×4 · Line 4 · 3 High with self-stacking, unlimited pieces, No Immediate Retake, and immediate line victory. The same Standard rules are used from first game to competitive play.
After Standard
Curated variants change a named dimension: Quick 3×3, Long 5×5, Immediate Retake, Shift, Hold the Line, Reveal, or Self-Stacking Off. Choose Sides is available as a competitive option.
Formats change the pace rather than the core rules: Blitz gives each player a 1:00 personal clock, while Competitive Match alternates the starter across a short series. Online hosts can combine supported options and show the full setup to the guest before play.
A Take, turn by turn
Start with a single X in a square. O adds a piece above it: the stack is now X then O, and O controls it. X must play elsewhere on the next turn because O just took that square. O can then add a third O to lock it permanently, or choose a different move. If O leaves it open, X may be able to retake it on a later turn.
The third piece decides the lock
X → X O → X O O 🔒
Winning does not require locking
A Standard line wins as soon as all four top pieces are yours. Locks protect ownership, but waiting to lock every square can give away a winning opportunity.