Math Game Monday: Square Nim

This simple strategy game challenges players to think ahead and visualize what their opponent might do.

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.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s play some math!

Square Nim

Math Concepts: logic and strategy.

Players: only two.

Equipment: printed blank hundred chart or draw a 10×10 grid, pencil or pen.

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.

How to Play

You will need a blank hundred chart and a pencil, pen, or marker. Draw lines to divide the chart into five sets of twenty squares each, to make five games.

Each game is played in one set of twenty squares.

Take turns going first. On your turn, you must mark one square, and you may take up to four squares.

The player who marks the last square of the set wins that game. The player who wins the most games on the page is the champion.

Variations

Nim is a simple game, so it’s easy for children to think of new ways to play.

How will you modify the rules?

Teacher’s Tip: Of all the games in the world, I think the math strategy game Nim has the most variations. Traditionally, it’s a misère game, which means the player who takes the last item loses. My math club students call this the “poison” variation and enjoy acting dramatic death scenes when they lose the game.