Math Game Monday: Odd–Even–Prime Race

This game challenges upper-elementary and middle school students to practice strategy and mental math as they race across a number chart.

Many parents remember struggling to learn math. We hope to provide a better experience for our children.

And one of the best ways for children to enjoy learning is through hands-on play.

Odd–Even–Prime Race

Math Concepts: addition, subtraction, multiplication, odd and even, prime and composite numbers, strategic thinking.

Players: two or more.

Equipment: printed hundred chart of your choice, 2 six-sided dice, small toy or token for each player.

Set-Up

The free 50-page PDF Hundred Charts Galore! file features printable 1–100 charts, 0–99 charts, bottom’s-up versions, multiple-chart pages, blank charts, game boards, and more.

Print your choice of 1-100 or 0-99 chart for players to share.

How to Play

All players begin at square one.

On your turn, roll two dice. You may choose to add or subtract these numbers to find how many squares you can move. The direction you move depends on the number you’re starting from, as follows:

• If your token is starting on an odd number, move forward.
• From an even number (except two), move backward — but never lower than square one.
• If you are starting on a prime number (including two), you may choose to either add, subtract, or multiply the dice. Move forward.

Two or more players may land on the same square.

The first person to reach or pass one hundred (or the highest number on your number chart) wins the game.

History

This game was invented by teacher Ali Adams as a variation on traditional number race games such as Snakes and Ladders. How would you tweak the rules to make up your own game?