MUMMY MATH
Let’s put our arithmetic skills to the test! In this brain-teasing game, we’ll be working with addition and subtraction to solve puzzles. Get ready for a mental workout!
HOW TO PLAY
Start by placing all the gold and orange number triangles face down, hiding their numbers. Then, divide the operational triangles equally among all players, making sure each person has four.
When we play the game, we each get to choose five gold number triangles and one orange answer triangle at random.
Here’s how the game works:
First, the youngest player takes their turn. They spin the spinner, which is divided into six sections:
- Draw a number (this one appears twice)
- Steal a number (this one appears twice)
- Trade a number (this one appears once)
- No new number (this one appears once)
When you spin the spinner, one of four things can happen:
If it lands on “Draw a number,” you get to take a gold triangle from the pile in the center.
If it lands on “Steal a number,” you get to take a gold triangle from another player of your choice.
When I spin the spinner and it lands on Trade a number, I can choose to trade one of my number triangles with another player’s number triangle. It’s up to me to decide which number I want to trade.
If the spinner lands on No new number, I am only allowed to use the playing pieces in front of me.
After I spin the spinner, I place my orange answer triangle at the top of the pyramid on my mat in the designated space. Then, I try to create accurate number sentences that are equal to the answer triangle. My goal is to fill as many rows or tiers as possible. Once I’ve formed the number sentence, I read it out loud and pick up another number triangle from the center pile to complete my turn.
When playing the game, you don’t have to use all of your number tiles every turn. In fact, you might not even use any tiles if they can’t make a number sentence that matches your answer tile.
The operation triangles can be used multiple times and in any order, as long as you get the right answer.
For example, if your answer triangle shows 10, you could write the number sentence as 8+4-2, 8+2+2-2, or simply 8+2, depending on which level of the pyramid you’re on.
If someone steals a tile from one of your rows, you have to rearrange your row to make the answer correct. You can replace the stolen number or move other numbers around. If you can’t fix the equation, you have to remove the whole row.
When it’s my turn to spin, I have a choice. I can either spin the spinner and take my chances, or I can forgo my turn and pick a number tile from the center pile. It’s a tough decision, but either way, I still get a chance to make a move.
If I decide to pick a tile, I grab one from the pile. Then, it’s the next player’s turn to make a move.
Scoring
The player who is able to correctly place equations on all the rows of their pyramid first earns a whopping 50 points. And even if I’m not the first one to complete my pyramid, I can still earn points. For every number triangle in a completed row, I’ll score 5 points. It’s a great way to keep the game exciting till the end!
END OF GAME
When I’m playing a game, it eventually comes to an end. This happens either when I successfully complete my game boards or if my friends and I decide beforehand how many rounds we want to play and what our goal is in terms of points.
Let me tell you about Bassey Onwuanaku. She’s a Nigerian Edugamer with a special mission – to make learning fun for Nigerian kids! Bassey actually has her own educational games café in Nigeria, which she funds herself. Can you believe it? She’s really passionate about children and board games, and she’s also really into wildlife conservation. Oh, and did I mention? Bassey is also a developing educational board game designer!