Addition and Multiplication War are simple games using a regular deck of cards to practice math facts. Low stress, adaptable, and fun!

Check out my Best At-Home Math Resources for Elementary Kids to Build Confidence guide!

---

Addition War – Directions

Players: 2

Materials: Deck of cards (remove face cards or let Jack = 11, Queen = 12, King = 13)

1. Shuffle the cards and divide them evenly between both players.
2. Each player flips over two cards at the same time.
3. Add your two numbers together.
4. The player with the greater sum wins the round and keeps all cards.
5. If both players have the same sum, it’s WAR:
   • Each player flips over two more cards, adds again, and compares.
6. Continue until one player has all the cards or time is up.

---

Multiplication War – Directions

Players: 2

Materials: Deck of cards (remove face cards or assign values)

1. Shuffle the cards and divide them evenly between both players.
2. Each player flips over two cards at the same time.
3. Multiply your two numbers.
4. The player with the greater product wins the round and keeps all cards.
5. If both players have the same product, it’s WAR:
   • Each player flips over two new cards, multiplies again, and compares.
6. Play until one player has all the cards or the teacher calls time.

---

Optional Differentiation

• Write the equation before keeping cards
• Timed rounds instead of playing for all cards
• Target number: closest product/sum wins
• Partner talk: explain how you solved