Maths Games
Game Name
Clear the Deck
Focus:Times tables
Ideal Use (highlight box)
paired
1:1
class
At home
Resources
Deck of shuffled playing cards with all picture cards removed
Needed
Description of how to play the game
This is best played one to one with an adult but can be played with pairs of children with a
multiplication grid for the dealer to check answers as necessary. You will need a pack of
ordinary playing cards – remove the picture cards and agree that aces are worth 1.
Agree on a focus times table e.g. x3 before play begins. The adult (A) shuffles the cards. He
/she turns over the top card and places it face down in front of (B). B must multiply the
value of the card by the focus times table (e.g. x3). B keeps all the cards he/she gets right.
The ones he/she gets wrong are put into a separate pile on the table. When all the cards
have been dealt the scores are counted (1 point for each correct answer). The aim is to beat
your last score each time it is played. As children become more confident, change the focus
times table.
Difficulties can easily be identified from the incorrect pile and support given.
Possible Adaptations
Number bonds to 10