Printable · 2 players · 10 min
SOS printable.
A paper game with one sneaky twist: you can write either letter. Make S-O-S in any direction to score and move again.
Free for home and classroom use. Want all six games? Get the full Paper Games Pack.
How to play
- 01Take turns writing either an S or an O in any empty square.
- 02If your letter completes S-O-S in a straight line — across, down or diagonally — score a point and take another turn.
- 03When the grid is full, the player who made the most SOS lines wins.
LV.01 Strategy
Play it better.
- Avoid leaving S _ _ or S _ S patterns your opponent can finish.
- Two S's with two empty squares between them form a trap: whoever plays inside it first gives away a point.
- One letter can complete several SOS lines at once — look for crossings.
- Late in the game, count safe squares; the player who runs out of safe moves first usually loses.
LV.02 FAQ
SOS, answered.
Q1Do I have to write the same letter every turn?
No — that's the point of SOS. Each turn you choose S or O.
Q2Does overlapping count?
Yes. Letters can be part of more than one SOS, and every new line scores.
Q3How big is the grid?
10 × 10. For a shorter game, play inside a 6 × 6 corner.
LV.03 More
