• A positive value means a win for the row player.

• A negative value means a win for the column player.

• A zero value means a tie.

The phrase "the best of the worst "can be helpful.

• Rows (maximin): the "worst" is the smallest number, so pick the smallest number from each row. Of the "worst" from each row, pick the "best" (i.e., the largest). 

• Columns (minimax): the "worst" is the largest number, so pick the largest number from each column. Of the "worst" from each column, pick the "best" (i.e., the smallest).