Games for Developing Mathematical Strategy

The three games described in this article are very interesting activities for developing abilities in critical thinking at the intermediate and upper-elementary-grade levels. As such, they go hand in hand with the focus on problem solving and reasoning skills that are general goals of mathematics instruction as recommended in Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics (NCTM 1989). The games prove to be “magnet activities,” that is, are most fascinating to students and attract repeated play. Each is a two-person game not very widely known. All offer a challenge yet are not so complicated that they stifle participation. Students feel that with just a bit more analysis, they “can figure out how to win every time,” The games rank as favorites of the students I worked with over a nine-year period in a summer enrichment program for academically talented middle school students.