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Super Math Games

Math games can be purchased or made at home. They range from the well-known Sudoku to board games to flashcards. Most can be enjoyed by younger children and adults alike; they are often customizable or available in levels (as Sudoku is). Games are an excellent way to add extra enjoyment to learning or practicing math.

Sudoku
- Although Sudoku does not specifically require math, it is a game of logic and reasoning, which are required for mathematical thought and problem solving. Players work to fill in a board of 81 squares--nine across and nine down--that are further divided into nine 3-by-3 blocks. Some numbers are filled in to help you start. Each row across and down must include the numbers 1 through 9, and each 3-by-3 block must also include the numbers 1 through 9. Behind the scenes, numerous complex mathematical processes are going on, but these are beyond the average player̵7;s comprehension (group theory, combinatorics and more).
Rubik's Cube
- Who knew that the frustrating, colorful little Rubik's Cube had actual math behind it? A Rubik̵7;s Cube is a 3-by-3-by-3 square cube (nine square faces per side) that can be turned and twisted in every direction. To solve a scrambled cube, a player must manipulate the blocks to show a single color on each side. The most accessible mathematical concept of a Rubik̵7;s Cube is that of statistics; there are 43,252,003,274,489,856,000 configurations in a single cube. Knowledgeable mathematicians can use these cubes to delve into physics and algorithms.
Math Dice Games
- You can buy math dice games such as ThinkFun Math Dice, but this game is easy to create on your own. Use anywhere from two to five dice. Choose a target number--the smaller the number, the easier the game will be. Players roll the dice and must find a way to make the numbers on the dice get closest or exactly to a target number using addition, subtraction, multiplication or division (or other mathematical functions if you choose). For example, if the target number is 22 and the dice roll yields 3, 5 and 7, you could arrive at the target with 3 x 5 + 7.
Math Board Games
- Commercially available math board games can involve everything from fractions to word problems. Some examples are Auntie Pasta̵7;s Fraction Game, in which players must complete pizzas with a variety of fractional pieces. In the Totally Tut Math Operations Game, by Learning Resources, players work through the board by drawing cards with addition, subtraction, multiplication and division problems. Pressman Smath is much like Scrabble but numbers and math symbols are placed on the board instead of letters. Many math board games are suitable or designed for children; many also can be played at a more difficult level for adult players.
Flashcards
- Math flashcards are an extremely easy way to practice basic math with elementary, middle school or high school kids. Flashcards are sold for all basic math, from addition to multiplication to adding decimals and money. Go through the cards to quiz players or compete using points for correct answers.

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