NMBR9 is an abstract puzzle like game in which players try to build a board and score the most points. Each player works with the same pieces making comparing different choices easy! Players have to build up levels to score the most points while paying attention to which tiles have yet to be played and how tiles fit together. This is great game for practicing spatial reasoning and strategy!
How to Play
Pieces:
20 cards
80 tiles
Setting up:
Places the tiles in the middle of the table so that everyone can reach them. Shuffle the stack of cards. Flip over a card. Each player picks up the number tile represented on the card and places it in front of them.
Playing:
Flip over a another card from the deck. Everyone must place the number tile represented on the card connected to the first tile placed. The tiles must touch orthagonally (not diagonally). From the third tile placed onward, players will have a choice to place a tile next to a placed tile or to begin stacking on top of placed tiles. To build on the next level:
- no part of the new tile can hang over empty space
- the new tile cannot be placed over gaps (ex. the space in the 0)
- the new tile must touch two tiles or more (ex. you cannot put a 9 tile directly over another 9)
Play continues until the cards are all played.
Scoring:
Everything on the second level and higher counts towards your score. Tiles placed on the second level, are worth their face value (ex. 5=5 points). On the third level, each tile is worth double their face value (ex. 5=10 points). On the fourth level, each tile is worth triple their face value (ex. 5= 15 points). This pattern continues until you reach the highest level played.
Highest score wins.
Teaching Resources
Below are resources for you to adapt for your classes. Each lesson plan highlights mathematical processes to focus on, questions for reflection and a worksheet for the students to complete following their game. Holding space for class discussions is encouraged and when possible, include pictures from your students’ game boards to prompt discussion in the class.
Mathematical Processes
Communication [C] : In using reflection sheets, students develop their written communication by explaining their thinking and defending their choices.
Connections [CN] : As the students replay the game, they begin to notice patterns and develop strategies. They connect reflect on past plays to improve their chances of winning.
Reasoning [R] : NMBR9 encourages students to think through the options available to them. Knowing what the remaining tiles are, that there are more points for adding levels, and that gaps will result in barriers to play, they must using their reasoning skills to choose where to play each tile.
Visualization [V] : Student will be practicing their vizualizing skills as they consider how the remaining tiles could fit on to the board they have created so far.