Integer War
This is a great way to reinforce what an integer is and help the students to quickly realize how to solve and answer integer problems. Plus a integer game is a better way to reinforce the concept compared to using integer worksheets for kids. Most kids love to play cards. A standard deck of playing cards is a great resource for reinforcing integer concepts and operations playing variations on the classic card game “War”.
Take out Jacks, Queens and Kings (or ace=1, jack=11, queen=12, king=13, joker=0).
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- Clubs and Spades (black cards) represent positive numbers;
- Diamonds and Hearts (red cards) represent negative numbers.
- Multiple decks can be utilized at one time.
- Divide cards into even piles for each player (2).
- Each player turns over 1 card in their pile. The player with the higher (larger value) card wins both cards.
- OR Each player turns over two cards and add or subtract their values (decide before the game begins).
- Play continues until one player has all of the cards.
- In case of a tie (same value) each player then turns over 2 cards. The 2nd card’s value is used to determine the winner of the cards played.
NOTE: Can be played with more than 2 players
Variations:
- Lowest value
- Highest or lowest absolute values
- Operations: As players turn over their card they must perform an operation with the 2 cards played (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) as designated before the game begins. The first player calling out the correct answer wins the cards.
- Each player turns over two cards and add, subtract, multiply or divide their values (decide before the game begins)