Make a Buck

Work on adding decimals in this competitive card game. Use a deck of cards, and have each card represent a different decimal value. Attempt to create a hand of 10 cards that is equal to $1.00. You can use mental math or a piece of scratch paper to help you figure out which cards to discard in each round.You'll find this is a great way to improve your addition skills and gain all of the confidence you need to master the concept. Good luck!

What You Need:

• Deck of playing cards (Print a deck)
• Make a Buck record sheet (Download here)
• Scratch paper and pencils (optional)

What You Do:

1. Discuss the value of the cards. An ace = $0.01 (1 cent), a two = $0.02 (2 cents)... a jack = $0.11, a queen = $0.12, and a king = $0.13. The object of the game is to collect exactly $1.00 in cards.
2. Shuffle the deck and deal 10 cards to each player.
3. Players take turns drawing a card from the deck and discarding one card from their hands.
4. Play until one player has exactly $1.00 or the pack is depleted. The player with the score closest to $1.00, wins.

For younger players, change the value of each card to its true face value (e.g. ace = $1), and play to $100. Change the name of the game to Make a $100.