Games Using Counters
Tac-tickle
This is a challenging game of strategy for two players with many interesting variations.
Nim-7
Can you work out how to win this game of Nim? Does it matter if you go first or second?
Subtraction Squares
A game for 2 players. Using 2 dice, some counters and a games board, can you form a line of counters from one side of the board to the other?
Alquerque
This game for two, was played in ancient Egypt as far back as 1400 BC. The game was taken by the Moors to Spain, where it is mentioned in 13th century manuscripts, and the Spanish name Alquerque derives from the Arabic El- quirkat. Watch out for being 'huffed'.
Two Stones
This game is known as Pong hau k'i in China and Ou-moul-ko-no in Korea. Find a friend to play or try the interactive version online.
Pumpkin Patch
A game for two players based on a game from the Somali people of Africa. The first player to pick all the other's 'pumpkins' is the winner.
Gotcha
A game for 2 players. This could be played outside with people instead of counters. Try to trap or escape from your opponent.
Sliding Game
A shunting puzzle for 1 person. Swop the positions of the counters at the top and bottom of the board.
Traffic Lights
The game uses a 3x3 square board. 2 players take turns to play, either placing a red on an empty square, or changing a red to orange, or orange to green. The player who forms 3 of 1 colour in a line wins.
Jumping Reindeer
A game for 1 person to develop stategy and shape and space awareness. 12 counters are placed on a board. Counters are removed one at a time. The aim is to be left with only 1 counter.
Roundabout
This is a game for 2 players. Each player has 4 counters each, and wins by blocking their opponent's counters. A good follow-on from two stones.
Counter Roundup
A game for 1 or 2 people. Use the interactive version, or play with friends. Try to round up as many counters as possible.
Counters
Hover your mouse over the counters to see which ones will be removed. Click to remove them. The winner is the last one to remove a counter. How you can make sure you win?
Part the Piles
Try to stop your opponent from being able to split the piles of counters into unequal numbers. Can you find a strategy?
Twinkle Twinkle
A game for 2 people. Take turns placing a counter on the star. You win when you have completed a line of 3 in your colour.
Low Go
A game for 2 players. Take turns to place a counter so that it occupies one of the lowest possible positions in the grid. The first player to complete a line of 4 wins.
Square It
Players take it in turns to choose a dot on the grid. The winner is the first to have four dots that can be joined to form a square.
You may also like
Counter Ideas
Here are some ideas to try in the classroom for using counters to investigate number patterns.