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  • Early Years Foundation Stage

Slippery Snail

Age 7 to 16
Challenge Level Yellow starYellow star
  • Problem
  • Teachers' Resources

Can you win this game by getting the last bug into the snail's mouth?

This is a game for two players. You could use the interactive below to play against the computer, or a friend. There is also a game board available here.

Four bugs are placed on certain spots on the snail.
Take it in turns to move any bug, moving out towards the snail's mouth (the star). You can move a bug any number of spots but bugs cannot jump on or pass each other.
When a bug reaches the snail's mouth (the star), it is out of the game.

The winner is the player who gets the last bug into the snail's mouth.

Play as many times as you like.

Can you find any strategies that might help you to win?

You might wish to change the settings to make analysing it easier.
 

Tablet/Full Screen Version

Could it make a difference who goes first?

What happens if there are more or fewer spots to start with?
Does it matter if the counters begin in different places?

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The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice.

NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.

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