Free Math Games: Pairs to 11.

Free Math Games - Pairs to 11: How to Play

Objective: Make pairs of cards that add to eleven.

Number of players: 2 or more

Materials required: A deck of cards with all the face cards (K, Q, J) and Jokers removed.

How to Play: Each player is dealt seven cards. Players begin by finding any pairs in their hands that add to 11. These are placed face up on the table in front of the player in plain view so that no mistakes are made. The pairs are shown below.

Example: It is my turn and I have a 3 and a 7 in my hand. I can ask for either an 8 or a 4 from any one of the other players around the table. I then make the pair, put it face up on the table and my turn is over.

If the player whose turn it is does not get the card they asked for, they must draw a card from the stack in the centre of the table. If that card makes an 11 pair in the player's hand it can be placed on the table.

If a player has no cards in her hand when her turn comes around, she draws FOUR cards from the centre pile. Any pairs that can be made are laid down and play continues.

Play continues around the table until all cards are paired.

The winner is the person with the most cards made into pairs.

Free Math Games - Pairs to 11: Learning Value

This is an entertaining, no cost way for young kids to practice number facts that sum to eleven. This makes good progress toward the goal of being able to add any two numbers in the 1 to 10 range quickly and accurately.

How to extend or shorten the game

To make a larger deck for either a longer game or to accommodate more players, simply add more sets of A through to 10 to the deck. To shorten the game, remove one or more sets of A through to 10.