Addition Games - Nim - A Game of Basic Addition Facts & Fun

Addition Games - NIM is an ancient two player mathematical strategy game. The GoTeachThis version combines Addition and Number Sense skills with traditional game play.

Game in a Nutshell:

Students begin the game with each of the 19 stars on the playing board covered by counters. The players take turns to remove one or two counters and say aloud an algorithm that gives the number revealed as the answer. NB The algorithm given must be from the number fact family written on the board e.g. “Adding 9” ,“Doubles +1” etc. This allows students to explore a wide variety of techniques and number relationships within one game. It also enables practice in deconstructing and reconstructing numbers which is a crucial aspect of becoming numerate.

What You Need:

2 players
1 19 Stars game board
19 opaque counters

Preparation for Play:

- Students cover all the stars with counters

How to Play:

1. Students measure the distance from the base of their palms to the tip of their index finger. The student with the shortest measurement becomes Player One.
3. Player One removes any SINGLE counter from the board and says the algorithm aloud required to give the number uncovered.
4. Player Two then removes either one OR two counters then gives the algorithm to ONE of the numbers uncovered.
5. Player One then chooses to either pick up one or two counters.
6. The game continues in this turn about fashion until there is only one counter left.

How to Win:

The player who leaves only one counter for their opponent to pick up is declared the winner.

An Agreed Rule:

- As a class create a rule for what happens in the event of an incorrect algorithm being given. NB The rule needs to help the students recognise the need to promote the use of efficient strategies, accurate answers and mathematical thinking. The rule is not to be a ‘punishment’.

Game play variations included.
Before the Game ideas included.
During the Game ideas included.
After Game Reflection Questions included:
Possible Cross Curricular Extension Activities included:

Also Included in this Download:

Boards for - Doubles, Doubles + 1, Doubles +2, Adding 9, Bonds to 10, Bonds to 20
7 Full color boards
7 Low color boards
1 PowerPoint file with all the color boards for easy Number Talks

Enjoy!

Adrian Bruce

PS A huge thanks to Prettygrafik.com for supplying the monsters in this game.