The Numbers Game

The Numbers Game is a fast-thinking arithmetic puzzle inspired by the TV show Countdown. Players combine number cards using the four basic operations to reach a target number as closely as possible.

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COMPONENTS 

Included in the download:

• Instruction booklet
• 10 – Small Number Cards (values 1–10)
• 4 – Big Number Cards (25, 50, 75, 100)
• 4 – Puzzle Cards (targets between 100–999)

Optional - needing to be supplied by player:

• 1 – 6-sided die (for random setup)
• 1 – paper and pen for each player

HOW TO PLAY 

Use six number cards and basic maths (+ − × ÷) to reach a randomly generated target number – or get as close as possible!

Setup

• Choose 6 numbers from the deck (a mix of small numbers 1–10 and large numbers 25, 50, 75, 100)
• Draw a target card and roll the dice to indicate which is the target number (between 101–999) 
• Lay all cards face up for everyone to see

Gameplay

• Players have 30 seconds to combine the numbers using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
• Each number can be used once only
• You don’t have to use all six numbers
• All calculations must stay as positive whole numbers (no negatives or decimals)

Scoring
After time is up, reveal your answer and score points:

• Exact target = 10 points
• Within 5 = 7 points
• Within 10 = 5 points

Closest answer wins the round!

Winning
Play multiple rounds and keep a running score.
The player with the most points at the end is the Numbers Champion.

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ONLINE VERSION

If you want to check a solution to a puzzle, randomly generate more Target Numbers or use a timer, then check out the online version of The Numbers Game!

https://labs.oftencurious.com/the-numbers-game/