Math Game Monday: Greedy Pig

This game tests each player’s risk tolerance as they roll dice to rack up points.

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!

This game tests each player’s risk tolerance as they roll dice to rack up points.

Greedy Pig

Math Concepts: addition, probability of dice rolls, strategic thinking.

Players: two or more.

Equipment: two 6-sided dice, pen and paper for keeping score.

How to Play

Players agree on a target score, such as 100. The first player to reach or pass the target wins the game.

Roll two dice as many times as you want, adding the numbers to your score. Stop when you wish, and pass the dice to the next player.

Beware: If you roll a 1 before you stop, you lose all the points you added during that turn. If you roll double-1, your score resets to zero.

Optional House Rule: If you roll doubles other than double-1, you have to roll again. You can’t end your turn on doubles.

Variation

Use the game as a journaling prompt. Here are some sample questions:

• What is your strategy for winning?

• Do you think this is a fair game, or does one player have an advantage?

• How would you count score, so you could compare your performance from one game to the next?

• How would you modify the game rules? Is your version easier or harder than the original game?

• Do you prefer logical strategy games or games of chance? Or do the best games have a bit of both? Explain.

History

Pig is a folk-game cousin to Farkle and was first described in print by American magician and author John Scarne in his 1945 book Scarne on Dice.