“Fun” isn’t enough.

Too many students see maths as dry, boring and confusing. Yet, it can offer so much more.

One of my favourite strategies for flipping this is to use games.

But there's a catch…

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Some games have that special combo of fun and serious mathematical learning.

I like to call these: Great Maths Games.

Other games focus on the fun – but they forget about the learning.

In these games, the maths is in the background. It no longer matters.

So, what's the difference between the two?

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Three features of Great Maths Games

Here are 3 features of Great Maths Games:

1. The game involves luck:
   This keeps things interesting, and unpredictable!
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2. And it requires strategy:
   Students need to try, reflect and re-try. They need to think about the maths they're using.
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3. You can adapt the game using small tweaks:
   You can use it over, and over again. Each tweak invites students to see if their strategies still work.

Three In A Row: A Great Maths Game

​Three In A Row has quickly become a favourite game. It's perfect for building arithmetic strategies. And, it can easily be made harder or easier depending on the students.

How to play

To play this game, for each pair of students, you will need:

• a number chart
• two 10-sided dice.

With a partner, take turns to:

1. Roll two 10-sided dice and add them.
2. Choose to: Double, Halve or Stay on your number.
3. Cross out your number on the chart.

To win? Get 3 counters in a row, column or diagonal.

Why this is a Great Maths Game

Let's look at why Three In A Row is a Great Maths Game, using the three features described above:

1. Luck: By rolling two dice, the game involves luck.
2. Strategy: Players make a choice each turn. “Do I wanted to double, halve or stay?” Some choices will have a better payoff than others.
3. Small tweaks: The game can quickly be changed. Use six-sided dice. Use 3 (or more!) dice. Change the strategy options (triple, multiply by 5, add 10, subtract 9, etc.).

What's more, Three In A Row shows that effective games don't need to have lots of rules or complicated resources.

Sometimes, simple is best!

Summary

Maths is dry and confusing for some students. Games can help to change this.

Great Maths Games have three elements:

1. Luck
2. Strategy
3. Adaptable via small tweaks.

Games like these not only make maths fun. They also help students to practice valuable skills – and become stronger mathematical thinkers.