An Equation Card Game

Make equations to remove cards in this strategic single-player game. Use all of the math facts you would like: addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division! Think carefully as you develop a strategy to get rid of all the cards. As you play this game, you will notice your critical thinking skills improving, which help with school work and problem solving as well!

Skills:

• Simple addition, subtraction, multiplication, and/or division

Term to Know:

Equation: a statement that uses an equals sign to show that both sides are the same.

(e.g. 3 + 4 = 7)

What You Need:

• One deck of playing cards (Print a deck.)
• Scratch paper and pencil (optional)

What You Do:

1. Shuffle the deck. Deal nine cards face up into a 3 x 3 array. Deal three “helper” cards face up to the side of your array. Place the remaining deck face down nearby.
2. The object of the game is to remove all of the cards from the array. To do this, create math problems using the helper cards. For example, if you have the helper cards 3, 4, and 7, you can create the problem 3 + 7. This would allow you to remove a 10 from the array (because 3 + 7 = 10), along with the 3 and 7 from the helper cards. Or you could create the problem 3 x 4 and remove a queen from the array (because 3 x 4 = 12).
3. To repeat, helper cards create problems while cards in the array always need to be the answers.
4. Remember, aces count as 1, jacks are 11, queens are 12, and kings are 13. If you’re using jokers, they can be zeros or wild. Your choice!
5. Discard cards that have been used in an equation. Replace helper cards with new cards from the deck.
6. If you are stuck, discard your helper cards and deal three new helper cards from the deck.
7. Play until the deck runs out or every card in the array has been removed.
8. If your array is empty, you’ve won!

Variations:

• For an additional challenge, begin with 16 cards in a 4 x 4 array.
• Compete for the highest score. Each player needs their own deck of cards and can play either at their own pace or with a timer.
• Record your scores and try to improve with practice.