Math Game - Multiplication Games & Division Games - Clobber

Multiplication Game & Division Game in One - Clobber is a very new abstract strategy game, having only just been invented in 2001 by mathematicians. The original game is played on a blank board, but the GoTeachThis version requires the answering of algorithms allowing your students to receive a real mental workout while learning their basic facts.

Game in a Nutshell:

Players touch one of their counters on the top of their opponent’s counters. This is called a ‘clobber’. Once a player has clobbered their opponent’s piece they remove it from the board and solve the algorithm revealed. Then the strategic thinking begins :-)

What You Need:

- 2 players
- 1 Clobber Game Board
- 15 white counters
- 15 black counters

Note: Counters don’t have to be black and white - any colored counters will do.

Before the Game:

Review the rules with students, in particular the way that counters move and what kinds of math problems might be involved. Also review strategy for winning.

All moves must be orthogonal (right angles only along the horizontal and vertical). Review the definition of orthogonal with students. DIAGONAL MOVES ARE NOT PERMITTED

Game Play:

1. The person whose birthday is the next becomes Player One and plays white.
2. Player One picks up one of their counters and taps one of their opponent’s counters which is seated on a vertically or horizontally adjacent square. This move is called a ‘clobber’.
3. Player One removes the ‘clobbered’ counter, answers the algorithm which is revealed and then occupies the space with the their counter.
4. Player Two then repeats Steps 2 & 3.
5. Play continues in this fashion until no legal move can be taken.

Notes on Game Play:

- Every move MUST to be a capture.
- Players cannot slide their pieces onto an empty square.
- Orthogonal moves ONLY (right angles) no diagonals.
- Players cannot capture their own pieces.

Winning:

The winner is the LAST player able to make a legal move i.e. when a player can no longer ‘clobber’ any of their opponent’s pieces they lose.

Possible Reflection Questions:
Possible Extension Activities:

Included in this Download:

• 8 High Colour boards - 5x,6x,7x,8x,9x,10x,11x,12 Tables and their inverse Division Facts
• 8 Low Colour boards - 5x,6x,7x,8x,9x,10x,11x,12 Tables and their inverse Division Facts
• 1 PowerPoint file with all the colour boards

Enjoy!

Adrian Bruce