First Connect Three

Add or subtract the two numbers on the spinners and try to complete a row of three. Are there some numbers that are good to aim for?
Exploring and noticing Working systematically Conjecturing and generalising Visualising and representing Reasoning, convincing and proving
Being curious Being resourceful Being resilient Being collaborative

First Connect Three printable sheet



In this game the winner is the first to complete a row of three, either horizontally, vertically or diagonally.

Spin the spinners, place each number in one of the squares and decide whether you want to add or subtract to produce a total shown on the board. Your total will then be covered with a counter.

You cannot cover a number which has already been covered.

If you are unable to find a total which has not been covered you must Pass.

You can use the interactive version below or use two 1-6 dice to play away from the computer.



Are there some numbers that we should be aiming for? Why?

Which number on the grid is the easiest to get? Why?

Which number is the most difficult to get? Why?

Printable NRICH Roadshow resources: Instructions and Game board.

For a more challenging version of this game, you could look at Connect Three, and/or change the settings of the interactivity by clicking on the purple cog.