List

Lower Primary Games Using Counters

Once you've taken a look at the activities in the Counters Feature, why not have a go at these games, which also all use counters?  Play one of the games a few times and then begin to think about a strategy for winning.  Does it matter if you go first or second?
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?
Seeing Squares
problem
Favourite

Seeing Squares

Age
5 to 11
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.

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?