Skip over navigation
Cambridge University Faculty of Mathematics NRich logo
menu search
  • Teachers expand_more
    • Early years
    • Primary
    • Secondary
    • Post-16
    • Events
    • Professional development
  • Students expand_more
    • Primary
    • Secondary
    • Post-16
  • Parents expand_more
    • Early Years
    • Primary
    • Secondary
    • Post-16
  • Problem-Solving Schools
  • About NRICH expand_more
    • About us
    • Impact stories
    • Support us
    • Our funders
    • Contact us
  • search

Or search by topic

Number and algebra

  • The Number System and Place Value
  • Calculations and Numerical Methods
  • Fractions, Decimals, Percentages, Ratio and Proportion
  • Properties of Numbers
  • Patterns, Sequences and Structure
  • Algebraic expressions, equations and formulae
  • Coordinates, Functions and Graphs

Geometry and measure

  • Angles, Polygons, and Geometrical Proof
  • 3D Geometry, Shape and Space
  • Measuring and calculating with units
  • Transformations and constructions
  • Pythagoras and Trigonometry
  • Vectors and Matrices

Probability and statistics

  • Handling, Processing and Representing Data
  • Probability

Working mathematically

  • Thinking mathematically
  • Developing positive attitudes
  • Cross-curricular contexts

Advanced mathematics

  • Decision Mathematics and Combinatorics
  • Advanced Probability and Statistics
  • Mechanics
  • Calculus

For younger learners

  • Early Years Foundation Stage

Subtraction Squares

Age 5 to 11
Challenge Level Yellow starYellow star
  • Game

Goal:

To create an unbroken line of counters from your starting square to the opposite side of the board.

Number of Players:

2

Materials Needed:

Copy of the game board (or download one)

2 numbered cubes
About 20 yellow and 20 red counters.

How to Play:

Decide who will go first.
Choose one of the coloured starting squares.
Close to your place, stack the counters that are the same colour as your starting square.
The person with the yellow starting square will travel down the board.
The person with the red starting square will travel across the board.
Take turns throwing the two numbered cubes.
Find the difference between the two numbers showing on the cubes.
Collect the same number of counters of your colour.
Place the counters in a line one next to each other on the board beginning at your starting square.
The line does not need to be straight - you can place the counters to the side of each other.
You cannot skip a square. You cannot move diagonally.
If you come to a counter of the other player's that is blocking your line, you will have to travel around that counter!
The first person to reach the other side with an unbroken line of their counters is the winner.


You may also like

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.

Sumo

A number game requiring a strategy.

Line of Four

A game somewhat similar to 'noughts and crosses' on a much larger space.

  • Tech help
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Sign up to our newsletter
  • Twitter X logo

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.

University of Cambridge logo NRICH logo