Math War: 6 Math Card Games for Kids

I've admitted this before but math doesn't come easily for the Lil Divas. They struggle with it. It is an area we really have to focus on and practice so that they keep up. 

With that in mind, this mama is always trying to come up with easy ways to keep them engaged and learning while having some fun. After all, if it's fun they actually want to do it more than once!

This is one of our favorite Math Card Games - Math War. 

It's easy to play, can be used to review different math concepts and all you need to play is a deck of cards. Do not use the face cards except for the Ace which = 1 and divide cards evenly amongst players. 

Here are the various ways we use our deck of cards to play Math War: 

Addition War - Each player turns over 1 card at a time and races to find the sum of the 2 cards drawn. The first person to correctly identify the sum keeps the cards in their "win" pile. Player with most cards at the end of the game is the winner.

Subtraction War - Each player turns over 1 card at a time and races to find the difference by subtracting the smallest number from the largest number drawn. First person to identify the correct difference keeps the cards in their "win" pile. Player with most cards at the end of the game is the winner.

Multiplication War - Each player turns over 1 card at a time and multiplies the 2 cards drawn. First person to identify the correct product keeps the cards in their "win" pile. Player with most cards at the end of the game is the winner.

Which is Greater? - Turn over 2 cards and identify the numbers. Player with the largest number drawn keeps the cards in their "win" pile. Player with most cards at the end of the game is the winner.

Greater Than or Less Than - Turn over 2 cards and compare the numbers. First player to identify the correct number comparison (i.e. 10 is greater than 3,   2 is less than 5) keeps the cards in their "win" pile. Player with most cards at the end of the game is the winner.

Make 10 - Each player turns over 2 cards at a time. Count/add the cards to see who came closest to 10. First person to come closest to 10 wins both card piles (if cards go over lowest number wins, i.e. 11 is closer than 10 than 15). Player with most cards at the end of the game is the winner.

What I love most about these games (besides the fact that the girls are practicing math and having so much fun playing they barely notice it's actually math review - gasp!) is that they can be played just about anywhere. Keep a deck of cards in the car or in your bag and the learning can take place anywhere you find yourself with a few minutes to play - the car, a restaurant, a waiting room, etc. 

This post is part of our Get Ready for K Through Play Series. 

This week we are focusing on the topic of Math Readiness. For more math games you can check out my post from last year Fostering Kindergarten Math Skills thru Play and these posts by my series co-hosts this week:

Kindergarten Active Math Games

(Coffee Cups and Crayons)

(Here Come the Girls)

Outdoor Math Activities for Kids

(Mamasmiles)

Bubbling Addition

(Mess for Less)

(Rainy Day Mum)

5 LEGO Math Activities

(The Pleasantest Thing)

(Toddler Approved)

For even more ideas feel free to peruse my Math Fun Pinterest Board and the Get Ready for K Through Play Pinterest Board.

Have fun playing Math War!

Bern