Board games can help children improve their basic math skills in an engaging, interactive way. Math board games incorporate basic mathematical functions, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, into the strategy of the game. Other games help children learn the importance of math in daily life. Add math games to your weekly family game night or bring them to your classroom for your students to play.
Muggins
In the Muggins math game, on each turn, players must add, subtract, multiply or divide the numbers on three dice to make a certain number. You then place a marble on a spot on the board whose number corresponds to that number. You try to produce the answer that will help you create a run of two to five marbles in a row, or block an opponent's run. You can also bluff by placing a marble on the board without explaining the mathematical functions you used to produce that number. If another player suspects that you are bluffing, she can challenge you. Then, if you as the challenged player cannot provide an accurate mathematical way to reach that number, you must remove your marble from the board. If you can provide an accurate explanation, you can remove one of your challenger's marbles. The Muggins math game won the Mensa Select award in 2002.
Loose Change
In Loose Change, players take turns placing cards on the board, trying to bring the total value of the cards up to a dollar. The player who adds the card that brings the value of the cards on the board to exactly one dollar gets to keep that stack of cards. If you bring the value of the cards on the board to a total over a dollar, you must collect the cards and subtract their value from your points at the end of the game. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.
Pay Day
Pay Day has entertained families since 1975. Players move around a board that follows a 31-day calendar month. Each space represents one day. When you land on a particular space, you might have to pay a bill, negotiate a property deal or even earn money. With each trip around the board, players earn a monthly salary and must pay off any debts or bills from the last month. The game helps children understand the concepts of earning money and paying debts, as well as occasionally taking out loans.
