Teaching math presents its challenges. Often times, students have anxiety and frustration when it comes to learning math. Students lack confidence and do not want to risk embarrassing themselves in front of their peers. If we have extra time in our schedule or finish early, I bring out the board games. Students enjoy these games and do not always realize they are improving their basic math skills. These math board games are perfect for the upper grades to build mathematical confidence.
Posts may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of those links, I might get a small commission, without any extra cost to you. Read more about it here.
I grew up having game night with my family, so I developed a love for games at an early age. It is now something I have carried over to my own family and in my classroom.
Incorporating board games into math class can transform the learning experience, making it engaging, interactive, and enjoyable. Board games provide a unique platform for students to apply mathematical concepts, develop problem-solving skills, and foster collaborative learning.
Math Board Game Requirements
Before I add a new board game to my classroom collection, I purchase a personal set and play with my family. The games must meet certain requirements before I will use them to my classroom.
- Quick playing time. I try to keep the playing time no more than 15 minutes.
- Few rules. I want the games I use in my classroom to be quick and easy to learn.
- Minimal playing pieces. Children lose things and that will include pieces to a board game. I want to make sure there are minimal pieces.
- Strategy games. I really like games that involve strategy to win because it will encourage more critical thinking.
Favorite Math Board Games
1. Mastermind
The codebreaker tries to crack the code using logic and reasoning. This game is great for practicing permutations because the code must be in the correct order. With over 2,000 possible codes, the game is different every time. For 2 players ages 8 and up.
2. Multi
This game is similar to ultimate tic-tac-toe. It takes the simple game of tic-tac-toe and turns it into a multi-level game by playing 10 games at once! This game provides great mathematical practice and strategy to win!
3. Proof
Improve mental math skills through this fast-paced, fun math game. Sharpen your multiplication, division, addition, subtraction, and square root skills. Best for 2–6 players ages 9–109! The goal of the game is to make an equation using the cards in play. Shout the result and prove your answer. Keep the cards if your equation is correct. The player with the most cards at the end of the game wins!
4. Prime Climb
Prime Climb is perfect for any STEM classroom because it builds fluency in multiplication, division, factorization, and prime number concepts. Best for ages 10+ and can be played with 1–4 players.
5. SKYJO
This entertaining card game provides great addition practice for two-digit numbers. You try to earn the fewest number of points by flipping, trading, and collecting cards. For 2–8 players ages 8+.
6. Set
Set is a classic math game. Race to collect sets of cards (attributes are either all the same or all different). This game builds cognitive, logical, and spacial reasoning skills. Great for ages 8+ and the more players, the faster the game!
7. Absolute Zero
This deck of cards contains positive and negative numbers. Players must combine cards to make a sum of zero. This is fun for young and older learners.
Bonus* Charty Party 
Think of this game as Apples to Apples but with graphs. This game is fun and students love it, but this is one that does not require a big strategy or thinking to win. I usually use this game when all of my classes do not meet like after the in-school ACT test.
Looking for a list of helpful math resources?
You don’t want to miss out on this Google Slides Binder.
By incorporating elements of play, laughter, and healthy competition, the inherent anxiety associated with math can be reduced. Students are more likely to embrace challenges, take risks, and persist in problem-solving when they perceive math as an enjoyable activity rather than a daunting task.
Do you play board games that require a little math in your class or with your family? Let me know in the comments what your favorite math-y board games are. I would love to add them to my collection.
