Math and fun go together like, 7 + 3 + 5? In this new take on tic-tac-toe, players add it all up to equal a win!
Tic-tac-toe, or naughts and crosses, is one of the best-known games in the world. In this version, the game is played with numbers, and the first player who makes a tick-tack-toe with a sum of 15 wins the game.
What You Need:
What You Do:
- Draw a tick-tack-toe game board on a piece of paper. Write the even numbers and odd numbers from 1 to 10 underneath, with the evens on one side and the odds of the other, like this:
(2, 4, 6, 8, 10) (1, 3, 5, 7, 9)
- This game is played just like regular tick-tack-toe, but instead of using X's, one player uses the even numbers. Instead of O's, the other player uses the odd numbers.
- You and your friend decide who goes first. Then each player takes turns writing a number in a space. When a number is used, cross it off because it cannot be used again.
- The winner is the person who makes a tick-tack-toe horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, with a sum of 15. If neither player is able to make a tick-tack-toe, the game is a tie.
- Take turns using the even numbers and the odd numbers when you play more than one game.
Winning Strategy
Try to set up winning sums in two directions. If your opponent blocks one way, you can still win with the other.
By Raymond Blum
Adapted from "Mathamazing", the book of brainteasers, tricks, and riddles to make math fun for everyone. By Raymond Blum (New York, NY: Sterling Publishing Co., 2002). www.sterlingpublishing.com
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