tact

"tact" is a software program that offers an exceptional console tic-tac-toe experience, available in 2D and 3D versions. This curses-based program features arbitrary sized boards, computer and network play, and a variety of intelligent computer players who are capable of competing against each other or with you. The algorithms used for the computer players can ensure perfect play, even in real time, on 2D boards and all 3D boards (with the exception of 4x4x4).

One of the key features of "tact" is its Curses interface that even allows for the use of a mouse if ncurses is installed. The board display, background, and pieces can all be customized with various colors options. If curses is not available or desired, an ASCII interface is also made available. Both interfaces share the same menu system for configuration of gameplay options.

Additional features include network play, arbitrary sized boards in both 2D and 3D formats, and five types of players. There are three computer players including “heuristic” that has easy, medium, and hard modes which can all be beatable. There is also a computer search player that utilizes the standard alpha-beta algorithm to ensure perfect play. This player caches transposition tables to save time for repeated moves. Random play is available for benchmarking and performance testing.

The latest release of "tact" is compatible with GCC 3.x and contains minor fixes for I/O for both the curses and ASCII modes. Overall, "tact" is an excellent software option that offers robust gameplay options, customizable settings, and intelligent computer players that can match a human player’s ability.