‘Boter-kaas en eieren,’ also known as ‘Tic-tac-toe’ or butter, cheese and eggs in English, is a classic game enjoyed by children and adults in the Netherlands. The game involves two players, each taking turns marking an empty square in a 3×3 grid with their respective symbols, usually an ‘X’ and an ‘O’. The objective is to create a row of three of your symbols either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally while blocking your opponent from achieving the same.

In the Netherlands, it’s a popular pastime, often played on paper or etched into the ground using sticks or chalk. It’s simple yet strategic, prompting players to anticipate and block their opponent’s moves while aiming to create their own winning pattern.

The game’s Dutch name, “Boter-kaas en eieren,” translates to “Butter-cheese and eggs,” reflecting a playful and whimsical aspect of Dutch culture, where everyday items or activities are incorporated into language and games. Despite its simplicity, this timeless game continues to entertain and challenge players of all ages across the Netherlands.