In the Gap

Race to create multiplication problems in this fast-paced card game! Players will use their knowledge of multiplication to combine numbers and create sums within a given range. Each correct problem will earn a point. You may use a calculator to check work, if you'd like. Your child will love being able to make her own problems to solve, and this game rewards her correct inventions. She'll begin to feel more comfortable with multiplication as she practices.

What You Need:

• One deck of playing cards (Print a deck.)
• One calculator
• Scratch paper and pencils (for every player)
• One 2-minute timer

What You Do:

1. Remove the face cards from the deck. Shuffle the remaining cards.
2. Deal 6 cards, face up, in the center of the playing area. Set the timer for 2 minutes.
3. Players use the numbers on the cards to create multiplication problems that have a product between 350 and 500. They may use estimation or work out problems to find their answers. Numbers can be combined to make 2 or 3-digit numbers. (For example, the problem 51 x 8 = 408 could be created from the cards 1, 5, and 8.)
4. When time is up, players share the problems they've created. Use the calculator to see if their results fall within the required range. Correct problems each earn one point.
5. Discard the six cards and replace them with six new cards in order to begin another round.
6. 25 points are required to win.

Variations:

• Change the range to 30-50 for third grade players.
• Change the range to 1000-2000 for a challenge.
• Change the scoring so players receive the sum of their answers during each round.
• Change the number of cards in the initial deck. For example, ace through six or ace through seven.
• Change the operation that is used to addition, subtraction, or division. Change the answer range to suit that operation.