Math Games

Math Games for Kids: The Basics of Jacks

Jacks is a popular game of skill and math and can be played alone or with any number of players. You’ll need a set of twelve jacks, which are small six-legged objects, usually made of metal or plastic. You’ll also need a small rubber ball. Jacks is usually played on a smooth surface or on the floor.

Math Games for Kids: The Rules of Jacks

Many players vary the game of jacks to fit their skills or just for fun. To play jacks, gather all of the jacks into the palm of your hand and toss them across the floor. A good toss would separate all the jacks so that they can easily be picked up one at a time.

Once the jacks are on the floor, the player begins collecting them by throwing the ball up and scooping up one jack while the ball bounces. The ball is only allowed to bounce once and may be caught before it bounces at all. So, the ball is thrown, the jack is caught, and the ball is caught by the same hand. The captured jack is then placed in the player’s other hand.

Math Games for Kids: How To Win at Jacks

The game of jacks continues and the player tosses the jacks again. This time, he will pick up two jacks at a time. The game continues in order, each player completing a round by picking up the appropriate number of jacks. For odd numbers, the leftover jack is picked up last. A player continues from one round to the next until he loses his turn. A player loses his turn if he fails to catch the ball or if he disturbs the other jacks.