Flash Math

Game Designer / Creator

 * Created by Pamela and Jack Brinker

Game Summary
A math tournament game. Players compete to create equations with two or more number cards using addition, subtraction, multiplication and division to equal or come closest, without going over, to the number rolled on the dice. The player utilizing the most cards in their equation wins that round and leaves their cards in a center “used pile”. The other players retrieve their cards and the dice is rolled again. The first player to run out of cards wins.

Players / Moderators

 * Target age range for this game: 8 years+
 * Number of players: 2-6 players
 * All players take turns rolling the dice and creating equations.

Game Set-up and Construction
Detailed step-by-step instructions on how to set-up and/or construct the game:
 * Deal out all 60 cards evenly among the players.
 * Begin rolling of dice to start game.

Details on materials needed including alternatives if possible:
 * Pair of dice, 60 transparent (Swish cards) or plain number flash cards.

Estimated cost to get the game up and running and to operate on an ongoing basis:
 * Cost of a pair of dice and transparent (Swish cards) number flash cards, approximately 50 cents to one dollar.

How to Play / Game Rules
Instructions:
 * Players roll dice to determine order of play. Player with highest roll is first and play proceeds in clockwise direction.
 * First player rolls dice. All players review their cards and create equations with at least two number cards to equal or come closest, without going over, to the number displayed on the dice. (Example: Number on dice is 10; player uses number cards 9, 2 and 8 for equation 9 x 2 – 8 = 10).
 * The player utilizing the most cards in their equation wins the round and places their cards in a center “used pile”. All other players retrieve their cards.
 * Second player rolls dice and play continues as in 2. above.
 * Play continues until one player uses all their cards. That player is the winner.

Rules:
 * Players may not subtract a number card by itself to equal zero (Example: 6 – 6 = 0).
 * If a player is down to only one card, he/she must take at least one card from the pile of used cards.
 * A number card may only be used once in an equation to equal or come closest, without going over, to the number on the dice.
 * In the event that none of the players are able to create an equation to equal or come closest, without going over, to the number displayed on the dice; play proceeds to the next round with the next player rolling the dice and play continues.

Related Web Links

 * NA

Other Details
The game may be modified for older or younger players, and expanded to include more advanced mathematical concepts (Example: Exponents).