List

Games Using Counters

These games all make use of counters.  They supplement the activities in our Counters Feature.
Two Stones
game

Two Stones

This game is known as Pong hau k'i in China and Ou-moul-ko-no in Korea. Find a friend to play or try the interactive version online.
Pumpkin Patch
game

Pumpkin Patch

A game for two players based on a game from the Somali people of Africa. The first player to pick all the other's 'pumpkins' is the winner.
Alquerque
game

Alquerque

This game for two, was played in ancient Egypt as far back as 1400 BC. The game was taken by the Moors to Spain, where it is mentioned in 13th century manuscripts, and the Spanish name Alquerque derives from the Arabic El- quirkat. Watch out for being 'huffed'.
Tac-Tickle
game

Tac-Tickle

This is a challenging game of strategy for two players with many interesting variations.
Nim-7
problem
Favourite

Nim-7

Age
5 to 11
Challenge level
filled star empty star empty star
Can you work out how to win this game of Nim? Does it matter if you go first or second?
Subtraction Squares
game

Subtraction Squares

A game for 2 players. Using 2 dice, some counters and a games board, can you form a line of counters from one side of the board to the other?

Go Moku
game

Go Moku

A game for two players on a large squared space.
Sliding Game
game

Sliding Game

A shunting puzzle for 1 person. Swop the positions of the counters at the top and bottom of the board.
Gotcha
game

Gotcha

A game for 2 players. This could be played outside with people instead of counters. Try to trap or escape from your opponent.
Tandems
game

Tandems

A fun game for two. You'll need some counters.
Twinkle Twinkle
game

Twinkle Twinkle

A game for 2 people. Take turns placing a counter on the star. You win when you have completed a line of 3 in your colour.
Traffic Lights
game

Traffic Lights

The game uses a 3x3 square board. 2 players take turns to play, either placing a red on an empty square, or changing a red to orange, or orange to green. The player who forms 3 of 1 colour in a line wins.
Jumping Reindeer
game

Jumping Reindeer

A game for 1 person to develop stategy and shape and space awareness. 12 counters are placed on a board. Counters are removed one at a time. The aim is to be left with only 1 counter.
Roundabout
game

Roundabout

This is a game for 2 players. Each player has 4 counters each, and wins by blocking their opponent's counters. A good follow-on from two stones.

Low Go
game

Low Go

A game for 2 players. Take turns to place a counter so that it occupies one of the lowest possible positions in the grid. The first player to complete a line of 4 wins.
Counter Roundup
game

Counter Roundup

A game for 1 or 2 people. Use the interactive version, or play with friends. Try to round up as many counters as possible.
Part the Piles
game

Part the Piles

Try to stop your opponent from being able to split the piles of counters into unequal numbers. Can you find a strategy?
Counters
problem

Counters

Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
filled star filled star filled star
Hover your mouse over the counters to see which ones will be removed. Click to remove them. The winner is the last one to remove a counter. How you can make sure you win?
Square It
problem
Favourite

Square It

Age
11 to 16
Challenge level
filled star empty star empty star

Players take it in turns to choose a dot on the grid. The winner is the first to have four dots that can be joined to form a square.