Here are some fun math games your children can play using just
dice. Players of all ages will enjoy these games.
1) Make 10
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2) Pig
❖ This game idea comes from Math Coach’s Corner
https://www.mathcoachscorner.com/
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3) Dice Wars
Materials Needed:
• 2-4 dice
• 10 small counters (can use things like pebbles,
pennies, buttons, Goldfish crackers, etc.
Directions:
• Each player starts with 2 dice and 5 rocks (or other counters).
• The objective of the game is to capture all of the other player’s rocks.
• On the count of three, both players roll their dice. Each player adds up the
sum of his/her two dice, and whoever has a higher number gets to “steal”
a rock from the other player.
• Continue playing until one player has ALL 10 rocks. In our experience, it
took 10-15 minutes for each game. If that’s too long for your child’s
attention span, you can set a timer and declare the winner to be the
person with the most rocks when it goes off.
Variations:
• We decided that getting doubles trumps any other number, and you get to
steal TWO rocks from the other player (This rule helps the game go faster, I
think).
• For younger kids, you can just use one die each and focus on number
identification instead of addition. For older kids, try using three!
• You could practice subtraction instead of addition skills. Subtract the
smaller number from the bigger number, and the player with the larger
difference gets to steal a rock from the other player.
❖ This game idea comes from The Many Little Joys
http://www.themanylittlejoys.com/
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4) Passage
What you need:
• 2 dice
• 2 or more players
Objective: to be the first player to reach 11 points.
Instructions:
To set up the game each player rolls a die. The highest scoring roll will be the player
who begins the game. The player who rolled the lowest number will now roll a second
time and the number on the die becomes the “point number.”
Starting with the first player, players take turns rolling two dice. If he/she rolls the
point number, he/she gets one point. If he/she rolls doubles of the point number, he
/she gets two points. Each player gets only one roll per turn.
The first player to get 11 points wins.
Watch Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGnZENoV1-I
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5) Run for It
What you need:
• 6 dice
• 2 or more players
Objective: to be the first to reach 100
Instructions:
Alternating turns, each player rolls 6 dice. Looking at the dice, the player attempts to
organize them into runs. A run is a sequence of numbers, such as 1-2-3-4-5-6. For
each number used in a run, the player scores 5 points. Dice may only be used once
when creating a run. Runs must begin with the number 1.
For example, a roll of 1-2-4-5-6-6 scores 10 points for the run 1-2.
For example, a roll of 1-2-1-2-3-4 scores 10 points for the run 1-2, and 20 points for
the run 1-2-3-4 for a total of 30 points.
If there is no run, no score is recorded. For example, a roll of 1-3-4-4-5-6 scores zero
points.
Play continues until one player has reached 100 points.
Watch video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W678XKYllqc
❖ These game ideas come from What Do we Do All Day
https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/
6) Knock-out
What you’ll need:
A small dry erase board (or paper and pencil)
A dry erase marker
2 dice
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How to Play the Game:
Write the numbers 2 -12 on both sides of the dry erase board. Set
the board in between the 2 players.
Take turns rolling the dice. Add the dice together and erase the sum from your
side of the board.
The first one to erase all of their numbers wins!
Knockout Variation for More Advanced Kids:
Does your child need more of a challenge? Try playing knockout with 12 sided
dice! Just write the numbers 2-24 on the board instead.
❖ This game idea come from Everyday Chaos and Calm
https://everydaychaosandcalm.com/
7) Knock-out (second version)
What you need:
• 2 dice
• 2 or more players
Objective: to be the first player to reach 100; or have the highest score at the end
of a predetermined number of rounds. (We prefer to play for 10 rounds.)
Instructions:
To set up the game decide if you will play to 100 or for a number of rounds. Chose
6, 7, or 8 as the “knock-out number.”
The knock-out number can be the same for all players, or each player can have a
different knock out number. We find the best way to play is with 7 as everyone’s
knock-out number. A round is complete when all players have had one turn.
Taking turns, players roll both dice, if they do not roll the knock-out number the
total score is recorded for that turn and the pass the dice to the player on their
left.
For example, if the roll is 2-3, the player earns 5 points. 6
If player rolls the knock-out number, they receive no score for that round. But not
only that, the player’s accumulated score is “knocked-out” and the player must
start again on their next turn.
Only one roll per turn. Play until one player has achieved the game objective.
Watch a video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCqOWKBK4to
❖ These game ideas come from What Do we Do All Day
https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/
8) Skunk (like the game PIG)
Game of chance and probability.
What you need:
• 2 dice
• 2 or more players
• Paper with Skunk written at the top and
columns (one per player)
Directions:
Each letter in the word "skunk" represents a different round of the game; play
begins with the "S" column and continues through the "K" column.
The object of "skunk" is to accumulate the greatest possible point total over the
five rounds. The rules for play are the same for each of the five rounds. Each
player takes turn rolling the dice in each round. When the players round is
complete, he or she passes the dice to the next player.
To accumulate points in a given round, a pair of dice is rolled. A player gets the
total of the dice and records it in his or her column, unless a "one" comes up. If a
"one" comes up, the play is over for that round and all the player's points in that
column are wiped out. If "double ones" come up, all points accumulated in prior
columns are wiped out as well.
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If a "one" doesn't occur, the player may choose either to try for more points on the
next roll or to stop and keep what he or she has accumulated. Note: If a "one" or
"double ones" occur on the very first roll of a round, then that round is over and
the player must take the consequences.
Watch a Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SWReEQOVr4
❖ These game ideas come from Mrs. B’s Best
http://www.mrsbsbest.com/
9) Math Baseball
Materials Needed:
• Game Board – Draw a simple baseball
diamond on paper.
• Two Dice
• Number Cards – make a set of small
cards with the numbers 0-12
• Counters to use as baseball players, 9
for each team (can use anything you
find around the house)
How to Play:
Label each base as well as home plate with your number cards. These
numbers will change each inning.
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The game is played by rolling two dice. The player can either add the two
numbers or subtract one number from the other. For example, if a player
rolls a 2 and a 5, he can count that either as 2+5=7 or 5-2=3. If the player
can create a math sentence from the dice that equals one of the numbers
on the baseball field, his/her “batter” (math counter) runs to that base. If
the numbers rolled cannot be used to create a math sentence that
matches one of the answers on the board, then that is an “out.” If you
can make a math sentence that equals the number on home plate, you get
a home run!
Sometimes, a player will roll a combination which yields two possible
answers that are both on the board. They must choose which is the better
move.
Each player continues their turn until they have rolled three “outs.”
If there are counters on the bases and the player rolls another hit, then all
of the counters will run that number of bases. So, for example, if there are
runners on 1st and 3rd and the player rolls a 1st base number, the runner
on 1st will go to 2nd and the runner on 3rd will run home. If the child had
rolled a second base number with counters on the bases, they would have
all moved two bases, and so on. This sounds complicated, but kids pick it
up quickly.
How to keep score:
Make a chart with a column
for each player and then
within those, a column for
outs and runs scored in each
inning.
❖ These game ideas come from Frugal Fun 4 Boys and Girls
https://frugalfun4boys.com/
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10) Shut the Box Game
If you do not own the game, Shut the Box,
no problem. Make your own game using
an actual box.
Materials Needed:
• Game Board – Box with four flaps
• Pen
• Two Dice
How to make the game:
Take each flap of a box and write number 1-9 (or can try 1-10, 1-12). Then cut
slits in between each number. Repeat on all four sides.
How to play:
Shut the Box can be played by any number of players although it is most
enjoyable with two, three or four.
A round of the game consists of each player taking one turn. A player
takes a turn by repeatedly throwing the dice until the player cannot
continue. Each throw of the dice is taken as follows:
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The first player rolls both dice and counts the number of ‘pips’ (dots) on the
dice. Add the numbers on the dice together. Using this sum, the player can
knock down or ‘close’ any combination of numbered levers that add up to
the sum.
For example, if a 2 and a 5 are rolled, the player may choose to ‘close’: 7, 1
& 6, 2 & 5, 3 & 4, 1 & 2 & 4
*Note: If the levers numbered 7-9 (or 7-12 depending on the version of the
game board) are still ‘open’, the player must roll both dices, if these levers
are ‘closed’, the player may choose to roll one die or both dice.
The first player continues to roll the di(c)e until they can no longer ‘close’ an
appropriate combination of numbers. Add up the numbers on the levers
that remain ‘open’, and this is the first player’s score.
For example, if the 1, 2, and 9 levers are still ‘open’, the player’s score is 12.
It is now the second player’s turn. All of the levers are ‘opened’ again, and
the second player repeats the process. When all players have had a turn,
the player with the lowest score wins.
If one player successfully ‘closes’ all of the levers, they are said to have ‘shut
the box’, the game ends immediately and this player wins the game
automatically.
If playing with poker chips or fake money, place bets in the pot before the
game begins. The winning player is given the pot at the end of each round.
Decide on how many rounds will be played. At the end, whoever has the
most money wins.
11) Ten Thousand
Material:
• 6 Dice
• Paper for Scoring
• Dice Tray (optional) can
make from a cereal box or
box lid (see pic)
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Play:
Each player takes turns at rolling the dice and must set aside at least one scoring
die (1s, 5s, triples, 3 pairs, or a run of 6. See score values below). Their turn
continues, rolling the remaining dice, as long as they have thrown and set aside a
scoring number or combination. Players announce their progressive score for their
turn after each roll.
A player's turn ends when they either decide to stop and score their accumulated
points or until they have a scoreless throw and score nothing for that turn. Should
all six dice be set aside as scoring then the player may roll them all again and
continue their tally.
Scoring combinations only count when made with a single throw. For example, a
player who rolls and puts aside a 1 and then throws two 1s with the next throw
may only score 300 not a 1,000.
The first player to score a total of 10,000 or above, wins the game, provided any
subsequent players, with a turn left, don't exceed their score.
Score Values
1 = 100 points
5 = 50 points
1, 1, 1 = 1,000 points
#, #, # = # x 100 e.g. 2, 2, 2 = 200 points: 6, 6, 6 = 600 points
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 = 3,000 points
3 pairs = 1,500 points (including four-of-a-kind and a pair)
An example turn might go something like this: A player rolls the six dice and they
come up 1, 1, 2, 4, 5, 6. He could set aside the two 1s and the 5 scoring 250 points,
but instead sets aside the 1s, scoring 200 and rolls the remaining four dice. They
come up 1, 6, 6, 6 and the player decides to set aside all four dice and his score is
increased by 700 points (1 = 100 + 6, 6, 6 = 600) giving a total of 900 so far. All six
dice are scoring so the player decides to continue his turn by rolling them all
again. This time he is unlucky and rolls 2, 3, 3, 4, 6, 6. A scoreless throw which
means he scores nothing for this turn and the dice pass to the next player.
Variations:
A player may not begin to score until he has first scored at least 500 points in a
turn. 12
A player may take up the scoreless dice of the previous player who has had a
Variations:
A player may not begin to score until he has first scored at least 500 points in a
turn.
A player may take up the scoreless dice of the previous player who has had a
scoreless throw and forfeited their points. Should he then throw a scoring
number or combination he takes the previous player's forfeited score, in their
last turn, as their own. Worth risking if they have accumulated a high score.
A player who throws a scoreless first roll, three times in successive turns, loses
1000 points.
If five dice are counted as scoring, the remaining die may be thrown twice in an
attempt to roll a 1 or 5. If successful, the player is allowed to continue rolling
with all six dice and receives a bonus of 500 points. The bonus increases by 500
points for every time the last die is rolled and scores in a single turn.
Four or more 2s cancels a players entire score.
Six-of-a-kind made with a single throw wins the game outright.
Sometimes a target total of 5,000 is set to make for a shorter game.
❖ This game idea comes from Dice Play
http://www.dice-play.com/
13) Game of Cat and Mouse
Bonus Game! Not a lot of math in this one, just a fun and easy game you
can make at home.
Material:
• 2 Dice
• Tape
• Pot lid
• Tissue and string (2 feet for each player)
• Tokens – Pennies or anything small (5 for each
player) 13
Step #1 – Get a tissue for each player and fold and roll it up.
Step #2 – Get a 2 foot piece of string and tie it around the tissue
This tissue is now called “the mouse”.
Step #3 – Tape a circle on a carpeted floor.
With colored tape, create a circle on carpeted floor. It needs to
be bigger than a large kitchen pan lid.
Step #4 – Find 5 tokens for each player
Each player needs 5 pieces of something. You can use pennies,
legos, pretend money, etc.
Step #5 – Get your dice and 1 large pot lid.
The lid is now called “the cat”
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Instructions on how to play:
Have each player place their “MOUSE” inside of the circle on the floor,
holding the opposite end outside of the circle. Start with one person holding
the “CAT” in one hand and 2 dice in the other. The person with the “CAT”
and 2 dice begins rolling.
If they get doubles the “Cat” tries to catch as many mice as they can by
slamming down the lid into the circle (couldn’t think of another word
besides slamming, it’s a controlled slam). As soon as doubles are rolled,
everyone must pull out their mice as fast as they can to prevent being
caught under the lid. This is why it is also important that your lid is smaller
than your circle. Would not recommend using your large pot lids.
If your mouse gets caught under the lid, you must “pay” the cat with one of
your tokens.
After doubles are rolled, you pass the 2 dice and lid to the person to your
left. Repeat until doubles are rolled. Try and catch some mice as fast as you
can. If you catch 3 mice, you get 3 tokens; 2 mice, you get 2 tokens Etc.
If you run out of tokens, you are out of the game.
The “Cat” can fake attacking the mice. If the mice pull out of the circle, they
owe the “Cat” a token.
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Roll the dice so everyone can see them.
Make sure all hands and fingers stay clear of the circle while the “Cat” is
rolling.
If the “Cat” touches the floor on attack when doubles were not rolled, the
“Cat” owes a token to all of the mice.
The “Cat” cannot hover close to the circle. They need to remain outside
the circle airspace.
❖ This game idea comes from Uplifting Mayhem
https://www.upliftingmayhem.com/
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