I have always loved playing tic tac toe — the game of noughts and crosses or simply called Xs and Os — on paper, on digital devices and what not. Trust me kids, I am a champion and I believe, like me, many of you would also be in love with this game.
So here I am, bringing for you the same game, but with a twist. To play this tic-tac-toe, you do not need digital devices or paper and pen. All you need is chenille strings and a scissor.
Note: You can also use paper reeds instead of chenille strings.
Things you need:
Chenille strings (or pipe cleaners) in total 8, choose any three colours; two strings from two colours each, while four strings in any one colour.
Scissors
Cardboard piece (optional)
Hot glue (Optional)
Directions:
Make the main grid from the four same-coloured chenille strings; fold a string tight horizontally on the vertical string at the upper side, leaving two-inches from the top and then the second string in the same way, leaving two inches from the bottom: see pictures 2 and 3
Repeat the step by adjusting the fourth string vertically with the horizontal ones, creating the main grid of nine boxes, picture 4.
To make the noughts and crosses, choose colours for both noughts and crosses, then take any mould for the noughts; I have used a bottle cap. Make a tight circle around it and then cut, fold the pointed ends, picture 5 and 6.
Make five such noughts, picture 7.
To make the crosses, cut two pieces from the string, both 1.5 inches, pictures 8 and 9.
Twist and cross both from the centre, making an X, picture 10.
Now you have five noughts and five crosses, picture 11
Voila! The game is ready to be played, picture 12.
However, as chenille strings are soft and bendable, there are chances that they bend unintentionally, so if you want to keep the grid in shape, you can paste it on any cardboard piece according to the grid size. However, this is optional.
For suggestions, the writer can be reached at ithecraftman@gmail.com
Published in Dawn, Young World, August 21st, 2021
