There are 184 NRICH Mathematical resources connected to Games, you may find related items under Thinking Mathematically.
Broad Topics > Thinking Mathematically > GamesWho said that adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing couldn't be fun?
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.
Throw the dice and decide whether to double or halve the number. Will you be the first to reach the target?
In this game for two players, you throw two dice and find the product. How many shapes can you draw on the grid which have that area or perimeter?
Try this matching game which will help you recognise different ways of saying the same time interval.
In this game for two players, the idea is to take it in turns to choose 1, 3, 5 or 7. The winner is the first to make the total 37.
Take turns to place a decimal number on the spiral. Can you get three consecutive numbers?
You'll need two dice to play this game against a partner. Will Incey Wincey make it to the top of the drain pipe or the bottom of the drain pipe first?
Who said that adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing couldn't be fun?
There are nasty versions of this dice game but we'll start with the nice ones...
Use your addition and subtraction skills, combined with some strategic thinking, to beat your partner at this game.
Here is a chance to play a version of the classic Countdown Game.
Play this game and see if you can figure out the computer's chosen number.
Try this version of Snap with a friend - do you know the order of the days of the week?
This is a game for two players. Can you find out how to be the first to get to 12 o'clock?
In this game, you can add, subtract, multiply or divide the numbers on the dice. Which will you do so that you get to the end of the number line first?
Can you use the numbers on the dice to reach your end of the number line before your partner beats you?
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.
This challenge is a game for two players. Choose two of the numbers to multiply or divide, then mark your answer on the number line. Can you get four in a row?
A game in which players take it in turns to choose a number. Can you block your opponent?
Why not challenge a friend to play this transformation game?
Solve this Sudoku puzzle whose clues are in the form of sums of the numbers which should appear in diagonal opposite cells.
Given the products of diagonally opposite cells - can you complete this Sudoku?
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?
A game in which players take it in turns to turn up two cards. If they can draw a triangle which satisfies both properties they win the pair of cards. And a few challenging questions to follow...
A game for 2 or more people, based on the traditional card game Rummy.
Choose the size of your pegboard and the shapes you can make. Can you work out the strategies needed to block your opponent?
Have a go at this game which involves throwing two dice and adding their totals. Where should you place your counters to be more likely to win?
Can you find the pairs that represent the same amount of money?
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 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.
Practise your tables skills and try to beat your previous best score in this interactive game.
Can you match pairs of fractions, decimals and percentages, and beat your previous scores?
Can you work out how to win this game of Nim? Does it matter if you go first or second?
Use your knowledge of place value to try to win this game. How will you maximise your score?
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?
You'll need to know your number properties to win a game of Statement Snap...
Spiralling Decimals game for an adult and child. Can you get three decimals next to each other on the spiral before your partner?
Board Block Challenge game for an adult and child. Can you prevent your partner from being able to make a shape?
Totality game for an adult and child. Be the first to reach your agreed total.
These games devised by Jenni Way use dot cards which will help children see the structure of numbers 1-6 and give them confidence as they begin to add and subtract these numbers.