Start with any number of counters in any number of piles. 2 players take it in turns to remove any number of counters from a single pile. The loser is the player who takes the last counter.
A game for 2 players with similarities to NIM. Place one counter on each spot on the games board. Players take it is turns to remove 1 or 2 adjacent counters. The winner picks up the last counter.
A game for 2 players. Set out 16 counters in rows of 1,3,5 and 7. Players take turns to remove any number of counters from a row. The player left with the last counter looses.
Can you explain the strategy for winning this game with any target?
Nim-7 game for an adult and child. Who will be the one to take the last counter?
Can you work out how to win this game of Nim? Does it matter if you go first or second?
An article for teachers and pupils that encourages you to look at the mathematical properties of similar games.
Got It game for an adult and child. How can you play so that you know you will always win?
This article for teachers describes several games, found on the site, all of which have a related structure that can be used to develop the skills of strategic planning.
The aim of the game is to slide the green square from the top right hand corner to the bottom left hand corner in the least number of moves.
To avoid losing think of another very well known game where the patterns of play are similar.
A game for two people, or play online. Given a target number, say 23, and a range of numbers to choose from, say 1-4, players take it in turns to add to the running total to hit their target.
Basic strategy games are particularly suitable as starting points for investigations. Players instinctively try to discover a winning strategy, and usually the best way to do this is to analyse. . . .
This is a simple version of an ancient game played all over the world. It is also called Mancala. What tactics will increase your chances of winning?
Four numbers on an intersection that need to be placed in the surrounding cells. That is all you need to know to solve this sudoku.
Given the products of diagonally opposite cells - can you complete this Sudoku?
A game for two people, who take turns to move the counters. The player to remove the last counter from the board wins.
Some puzzles requiring no knowledge of knot theory, just a careful inspection of the patterns. A glimpse of the classification of knots and a little about prime knots, crossing numbers and. . . .
You'll need to know your number properties to win a game of Statement Snap...
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.
A simple game of patience which often comes out. Can you explain why?
A game to make and play based on the number line.
This article explains the use of the idea of connectedness in networks, in two different ways, to bring into focus the basics of the game of Go, namely capture and territory.
This article invites you to get familiar with a strategic game called "sprouts". The game is simple enough for younger children to understand, and has also provided experienced mathematicians with. . . .
A game in which players take it in turns to try to draw quadrilaterals (or triangles) with particular properties. Is it possible to fill the game grid?
Collect as many diamonds as you can by drawing three straight lines.
This pair of linked Sudokus matches letters with numbers and hides a seasonal greeting. Can you find it?
Use the tangram pieces to make our pictures, or to design some of your own!
Have a go at this game which has been inspired by the Big Internet Math-Off 2019. Can you gain more columns of lily pads than your opponent?
Spiralling Decimals game for an adult and child. Can you get three decimals next to each other on the spiral before your partner?
Some Games That May Be Nice or Nasty for an adult and child. Use your knowledge of place value to beat your opponent.
Factors and Multiples game for an adult and child. How can you make sure you win this game?
Take turns to place a decimal number on the spiral. Can you get three consecutive numbers?
Here is a machine with four coloured lights. Can you develop a strategy to work out the rules controlling each light?
Who said that adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing couldn't be fun?
A game for 2 or more people, based on the traditional card game Rummy.
There are nasty versions of this dice game but we'll start with the nice ones...
Two sudokus in one. Challenge yourself to make the necessary connections.
Play this game and see if you can figure out the computer's chosen number.
Two sudokus in one. Challenge yourself to make the necessary connections.
A simple game for 2 players invented by John Conway. It is played on a 3x3 square board with 9 counters that are black on one side and white on the other.