This is a game for two players. You will need some small-square grid paper, a die and two felt-tip pens or highlighters. Players take turns to roll the die, then move that number of squares in. . . .
A maths-based Football World Cup simulation for teachers and students to use.
All you need for this game is a pack of cards. While you play the game, think about strategies that will increase your chances of winning.
Can you beat Piggy in this simple dice game? Can you figure out Piggy's strategy, and is there a better one?
Here is a chance to play a version of the classic Countdown Game.
A game from Italy. Play with a friend and see if you can be the first to get five pieces in a line.
Try playing this game from New Zealand at the beach by drawing the board in the sand. Find an opponent and see if you can win by ending up with your shell in the centre space.
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.
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?
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.
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.
A simple game of patience which often comes out. Can you explain why?
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.
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.
Can you beat the computer in the challenging strategy game?
Slide the pieces to move Khun Phaen past all the guards into the position on the right from which he can escape to freedom.
Can you find the pairs that represent the same amount of money?
Can you match pairs of fractions, decimals and percentages, and beat your previous scores?
A game in which players take it in turns to choose a number. Can you block your opponent?
This Chinese game for two players is a simple version of Wei ch'i or Go. Each player has 20 distinctive pieces - try coins, pebbles, shells. You could try marking the board out in wet sand.
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?
Collect as many diamonds as you can by drawing three straight lines.
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.
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.
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?
A game for 2 players. Given an arrangement of matchsticks, players take it is turns to remove a matchstick, along with all of the matchsticks that touch it.
Can you explain the strategy for winning this game with any target?
Spiralling Decimals game for an adult and child. Can you get three decimals next to each other on the spiral before your partner?
Nim-7 game for an adult and child. Who will be the one to take the last counter?
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.
An article for teachers and pupils that encourages you to look at the mathematical properties of similar games.
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?
Got It game for an adult and child. How can you play so that you know you will always win?
Here is a machine with four coloured lights. Can you develop a strategy to work out the rules controlling each light?
Use the tangram pieces to make our pictures, or to design some of your own!
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. . . .
A game to make and play based on the number line.
This pair of linked Sudokus matches letters with numbers and hides a seasonal greeting. Can you find it?
A game for 2 or more people, based on the traditional card game Rummy.
Two sudokus in one. Challenge yourself to make the necessary connections.
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.
Two sudokus in one. Challenge yourself to make the necessary connections.