Age
5 to 14
To celebrate NRICH's 25th birthday, we have created a special version of one of our favourite games, Got It.
Got It is a game for two players.
The challenge is to be the first player to hit the target of 25 (as a celebration of NRICH's birthday!).
- You can play against the computer or with a friend.
- The first player chooses a whole number from 1 to 5.
- The second player chooses a whole number from 1 to 5, which is added onto the first player's number to make a new total.
- Play continues in this way, with players taking turns to add a whole number from 1 to 5 to the running total.
- The winner is the player who reaches the target of 25.
Play the game several times.
- Can you find a winning strategy?
- Can you always win?
Does your strategy depend on whether or not you go first?
To change the game, choose a new Got It target or a new range of numbers to add on.
Test out the strategy you found earlier. Does it need adapting?
- Can you work out a winning strategy for any target?
- Can you work out a winning strategy for any range of numbers?
- Is it best to start the game? Always?
Away from the computer, challenge your friends:
One of you names the target and range and lets the other player start.
Extensions:
- Can you play without writing anything down?
- Consider playing the game where a player CANNOT add the same number as that used previously by the opponent.