Subitising game cards
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Primary Mathematics – Spring 2015
Judy Sayers
2014
The MA web site www.m-a.org.uk
1. PAIRS:
The game is also known as
Concentration, Pelmanism, or Pexeso.
The object of the game is to collect the most
matching pairs. This game is for 2 players,
alternatively it can be played alone. You need a set of
subitising cards. Shuffle the cards. Lay out the cards
face down in rows forming a large rectangle on the
table or floor. Make sure the cards are not touching
each other. They need to be able to be flipped over
without disturbing any cards around them. The first
player chooses a card and turns it over for all to see.
He then chooses another, turns it over for all to see.
If it is not a match, he turns them both back face
down again, it is then the next players turn. If there
is a match, the pair are taken away and collected by
that player who continues to play until they cannot
match two cards. The game continues in this way
until all the cards have been turned and matched.
The winner is the player with most pairs collected.
2. Beat your partner/clocks
The object of the game is to subitise the numbers on
the cards. The cards are dealt between the numbers
of players (2–4). The cards are held in their hand
making sure they, nor their friends can see what the
card will be when they turn it over. Players take it in
turns to turn over the top card in their pile and place
in the middle of the table. Players must state what
the number is on the card that they turn over as they
place it on the centre pile (no cheating). This can be
played at a slow pace, then increased, how fast can
they call out their number? How fast can they
complete the pack between them?
As you begin to play this game several variations
can be made. E.g. add/subtract the number on the
card from 9 or any other number you choose. Play
snap. I am sure you and your children can think of
many more.
Judy Sayers 2014
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Primary Mathematics – Spring 2015
The MA web site www.m-a.org.uk
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