Purpose: To be the one to say 21

Activities and Procedures:

One person goes first and says the number one or one two. Then the other player says the next one or two consecutive numbers. Each player chooses whether to say one or two numbers during each turn. The players continue to alternate turns and say the next one or two consecutive numbers until someone reaches twenty one.

Suggestions: As the teacher I give the students the choice to start first or they can let me start. There is no talking except for the players. If someone figures out the strategy or trick they don't tell. I choose the players.

Tying it all Together This game teaches the math concepts of: sets, division of threes, addition and thinking skills. Also use to build self-esteem and make learning fun.

One alternative way to play the game could be marking the numbers (instead of saying the number(s). For this purpose the teacher could make large grids of the following type and tell the students to copy it into their exercise books:

The players may use pencil or crayons to mark the number or numbers they choose. The instruction for playing the game could be further simplified as suggested below.

• Decide who should start first.
• First player starts by marking × on one or two consecutive numbers chosen.
• Second player marks the next one or two consecutive numbers.
• Each player chooses to mark one or two members during each turn.
• The players continue to alternate turns and mark the next one or two consecutive numbers until one reaches 21. At the end of the game, the player who has figured out the strategy or trick may write it down, and present it to the class after sometimes.

SUGGESTIONS/ MODIFICATIONS

• With a large class, you may want to have two students model the game in front of the class while the rest of the students guess the game and strategy.
• Change the goal of 21 to 22 and see the difference in strategies.
• Play the game with a student and have them try and win in front of the whole class.