Doubles maths games are a playful way to help children (or adults!) master the essential skill of adding a number to itself—like 4+4 or 9+9. These games turn rote memorization into an engaging activity, using dice, cards, or even just your hands. The beauty of doubles is that they form the foundation for other mental math strategies, like near-doubles (e.g., 6+7 is just 6+6+1). This article gives you a complete, ready-to-play game recipe that you can adapt for any age or skill level.
Ingredients
- 2 six-sided dice (or a deck of cards, or a set of dominoes)
- 1 piece of paper and a pencil for each player (for scorekeeping)
- Small tokens or coins (optional, for marking numbers on a board)
- A printed or hand-drawn number board (numbers 1 to 20, or 1 to 12 for younger kids)
- Timer (optional, for a fast-paced variant)
Instructions
- Set up the game: Each player draws a simple grid on their paper with numbers 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 written in a column (or use a pre-made board). These are the possible sums of doubles from 1+1 to 10+10.
- Roll the dice: Player 1 rolls both dice. If they roll a 3 and a 3, they have a double! They say “3+3=6” and cross off the number 6 on their board. If they roll a 3 and a 5, they do not have a double, so they don’t cross off anything.
- Alternate turns: Player 2 rolls the dice and does the same. If a player rolls a double that they have already crossed off, they lose their turn (or they can roll again, depending on your house rules).
- Win condition: The first player to cross off all the numbers on their board wins. For a shorter game, aim for five numbers in a row (like a bingo line).
- Variation with cards: Instead of dice, use a deck of cards with face cards removed (Ace = 1, 2-10 as usual). Each player draws two cards. If they are the same number, they have a double and can cross it off.
- Variation with dominoes: Place a set of dominoes face down. Each player picks one domino. If the two halves have the same number of dots, that’s a double—say the sum and cross it off.
Tips
- Start with smaller numbers: For younger children, use only dice with numbers 1-3, or use cards with numbers 1-5. This builds confidence before moving to larger doubles.
- Use physical objects: If a child is struggling, have them count out small objects (like buttons or blocks) to see the double visually. For example, for 4+4, they place 4 buttons in one pile and 4 in another, then count all 8.
- Make it a race: For older kids, set a timer for 2 minutes and see how many doubles they can correctly identify from a stack of cards. This builds fluency and speed.
- Keep it positive: If a player rolls a non-double, use it as a teaching moment: “That’s 3+5. What would 3+3 be? Then add 2 more?” This reinforces the near-doubles strategy.
Serving Suggestions
This game is perfect as a math warm-up activity before a lesson, a fun homework alternative, or a classroom station. It also works well as a family game night activity—pair it with a healthy snack like fruit slices or popcorn to keep energy up. For solo practice, a child can play against the clock, trying to beat their previous best time.
Variations
- Near-Doubles Challenge: Instead of just doubles, allow players to use near-doubles (e.g., 3+4) by rolling a 3 and a 4. They must say “3+4 is double 3 plus 1, which is 7” to cross off the 7.
- Double and Add: Roll one die, double the number, and then add a fixed number (like 1 or 2). For example, roll a 5, double it to get 10, then add 1 to make 11. This works on two skills at once.
- Memory Game: Create a set of cards with doubles equations (e.g., “4+4”) and matching answers (e.g., “8”). Lay them face down and play a classic memory match game.
- Outdoor Version: Write numbers on a sidewalk with chalk. Call out a double (e.g., “6+6”) and have kids jump to the correct answer (12).
Storage and Reheating
This game is not perishable, but you can “store” the materials for future use. Keep dice, cards, and printed boards in a ziplock bag or envelope. The game can be played again and again; there’s no need to “reheat” anything. If you laminate the number boards, they will last for years and can be used with dry-erase markers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my child doesn’t know their doubles yet? Start with just the doubles from 1+1 to 5+5. Use physical objects like blocks or fingers to demonstrate. Once they are comfortable, gradually introduce larger doubles. The game is meant to be practice, not a test, so keep it low-pressure.
Can I play this with a single player? Absolutely! A solo player can try to cross off all numbers in a certain number of rolls, or time themselves to see how fast they can complete the board. This is great for independent practice.
How do I make the game harder? Increase the range of numbers on the board (up to 20 or 30) and use dice with more sides (like 10-sided dice). You can also introduce a rule where a player must say the double fact before rolling again, or else they lose their turn.
What age is this game suitable for? The basic version works for children as young as 4 or 5 who are just learning to count and add. The variations can be adapted for older kids up to about 10 or 11. Adults can also enjoy it as a quick brain teaser.
Are there other ways to practice doubles without dice? Yes! You can use playing cards, dominoes, or even just your fingers. Another fun way is to use a pair of socks—put a number on each sock and have the child match pairs that add up to a double.
How long should a session last? For young children, keep sessions to 10-15 minutes to maintain focus. For older kids, 20-30 minutes is fine. The game is flexible, so you can stop at any time and resume later.
Related
- Jalebi Recipe Without Yeast (Crispy & Syrupy)
- Jalebi Street Food Recipe: Crispy, Syrupy Indian Pretzels
- Pakora Recipe with Spicy Ketchup
More recipes to cook
Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes
Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it (corrections policy).