Fours a Winner

I'm sending home a new Math game today called "Fours a Winner". I introduced it to the class on Wednesday and they played it during Math yesterday. Hopefully they can help you with the directions, but just in case:

FOUR'S A WINNER

Materials:

• 2 distinct pieces for each player (probably around 20 pieces each) - try smarties, cereal, coins
• 2 paper clips

Number of players: 2

Objective: to be the first player to get four in a row (horizontally, diagonally or vertically)

Directions:

1. Place two of the paper clips on one of the numbers at the bottom of the page
2. First player - move ONE paper clip. Add the two numbers that the paper clips are on. Place your marker on the board according to the sum of the two numbers added. Ex: Paper clip #1 is on 3, paper clip #2 is on the 4. 3+4 = 7. Place your marker on the number 7 somewhere on the board.
3. Second player - move ONE paper clip. Add the two numbers that the paper clips are on. Place your marker on the board according to the sum of the two numbers added. 
4. Continue playing until someone has four in a row. 

We talked about how this is a strategic game. Not only are you trying to get your own four in a row, but you are trying to block the other player's four in a row. In order to do so, you may need to adjust your plays ahead of time - if you need a larger number on the board, you may need to move the paper clip to a larger number.....

Enjoy and have fun!