Beginners (6-7 years old): The game is played on a 3×3 board at a slower pace. The teacher models thinking aloud, for example: “I can see two possible places… which one might be better?” Support cards with simple observation prompts (e.g., “I notice that…”, “I wonder if…”) can be used. Children explore possibilities safely, notice patterns, and ask questions about outcomes. They develop curiosity by observing how small changes affect the board, wondering what happens if they try different moves, and reflecting on surprising results.

Advanced learners (8-9 years old): The game is played on a 4×4 board, with the goal to place four identical symbols in a row. Students participate in “What if…?” rounds, modifying a rule after each game and observing the effect. They also try to predict their partner’s next move. Children actively explore alternative strategies, notice complex patterns, and ask questions about potential outcomes. This encourages deeper curiosity, openness to new ideas, and the habit of testing hypotheses about the board’s possibilities.

Experts (9–10 years old): Played on a 4×4 or larger board with additional challenges, such as introducing multiple game boards simultaneously or playing under time constraints. Students can experiment with custom rules, create their own variations, or play in “blind prediction” mode where moves are planned without seeing the partner’s placement. Children experiment with custom rules, explore unexpected results, and respond to rapid changes. They are encouraged to formulate hypotheses, observe outcomes carefully, and ask “What if…?” questions. This level strengthens curiosity, reflective thinking, and the ability to adapt strategies flexibly while staying open to surprising outcomes.