2021 Summer Game #16: Addition Array

Wow! Is this summer flying! As I see my summer moving by quickly, I find myself scrambling to include more and more fun activities, experiences, and giggles into the remaining moments of summer! That includes our math card game playing.

This week, I am going to share a very fun game that has provided lots of laughter and giggles for our family, Addition Array, game A51 from the Math Card Games book. Then our family’s Relay Race option adds a delightful aspect to the game, so keep reading to the end of the blog.

Let me first explain how the game is played, then I will share how you can make it a family favorite.

You will need the full deck of Basic Cards, except the 10s. This game works best with two to four players.

Shuffle the deck and deal each player eight cards face up to become the border of the array, as shown below. Be sure that no player has more than two of a card. For example, if a player has three 4-cards, exchange one of the 4-cards for another card. Then set aside the remaining cards as the stock deck.

The goal is for each player needs to complete his own array by filling in the rows and columns.

Each player takes turns drawing a card from the stock pile. The card can be played on the grid if the card is a sum of a top column number and a side row column number. The card is then placed at the intersection of the two cards.

*Helpful hint: You can create a grid from masking tape for the younger children to help keep their rows and columns straight.

If a sum is greater than 9, then disregard the tens place and play only the number in the ones place.

Here we have drawn a 3 card. It can be used for 2 + 1 = 3….

….or the 3-card can be used for 9 + 4 = 13, dropping the tens place to show just the 3.

If a card cannot be played, it is returned to the bottom of the stock pile. The game is over when a player completes his array.

Addition Array RELAY RACE!

Now that you know how to play this game, let’s add more fun, laughter, and giggles!

Consider this game as a relay race. Move the stock deck to one side of the room and set up the arrays at the other side of the room. Players do not need to take turns, but need to move as quickly as they can, back and forth and back and forth, to fill in their array.

I think you will find this version of the game will provide your family with hours of fun and giggles – and lots of great memories!

If you have a favorite game that you enjoy playing or if you would like to request a specific game to be included in this blog series, please comment below. We would love to hear from you!