Math Dice (Review)
by ThinkFun
Disclosure
This product was purchased by us. We did not receive compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are our own. This review includes an affiliate link. We may receive a small commission if you click on the link and make a purchase. See our full disclosure for more information.
Overview
Math Dice is a pocket-sized dice game designed for 2 or more players ages 8 and up. Players (or teams) race to create equations using addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, powers, and roots to match or come closest to a specific target number. This game can be adapted for younger players by eliminating powers and roots or using only addition and subtraction.
Contents
- Two 12-Sided Dice
- Three 6-Sided Dice
- Drawstring Travel Bag
- Instruction Booklet with Practice Tables
Price
- $5.99 (at the time of this review)
How to Play
Play starts by rolling the two 12-sided dice. These two numbers are then multiplied to establish a Target Number. Next, the three 6-sided dice are rolled. Each player then tries to reach the closest number possible to the Target Number by creating an equation using only the 3 numbers shown on the 6-sided dice. Players have to think fast, because if more than one player reaches the same number, only the first player to call it out gets a chance at earning a point. The player with the closest answer must state his or her equation. If the equation is correct, the player earns a point. If the equation is not correct, then the player with the next closest answer states his or her equation, and so on. The first player (or team) to earn four points wins the game.
Educational Emphasis
This fast-paced math game teaches children about the order of operations and how to write simple and complex math equations using addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, powers, and roots.
The Good
This game is sized just right for taking to the park or keeping in your travel bag. The rules are simple and super easy to adapt for younger players (see tips below).
- Easy to take with you.
- Easily adaptable for younger players. (This game can grow with your child.)
- Great for hands-on learning.
The Not-So-Good
This game is all good!
Tips
- Instead of racing to call out the closest answer, let everyone who reaches the closest number earn a point for that round.
- Have younger players use paper and pencils and/or calculators and older players use only mental math.
- For younger players, add the two 12-sided dice for the Target Number instead of multiplying them, and have the players use only adding and subtracting in their equations.
Recommendation
We recommend Math Dice to families homeschooling primary, middle, and high school students. The rules can easily be adapted for younger players, and older students will sharpen their math skills as they race to be the first to call out the closest answer.
Summary
Math Dice is a great dice game for introducing the order of operations and strengthening basic math skills. Since the rules are easy to adapt for younger players, Math Dice is fun for all ages. (Adults will enjoy playing this one, too!) Because of its simplicity and high educational value, Math Dice has won our seal of approval!