How to play Pass the Number
- Choose how many players and an easier or harder level.
- Player 1 starts with the number shown.
- Reveal each player’s step in turn. They say the answer out loud.
- Press Show all answers at the end. Did you get back to the start?
Maths skills this game builds
- Mental addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
- Doubling and halving
- Inverse operations
- Concentration and checking
Tips for parents and carers
- Works with 2 or more people. Take extra turns if you have fewer than six players.
- If the number does not come back to the start, work backwards to find the slip.
- Talk about strategies for each step.
Using Pass the Number with a group or class
- Give each child a number from 1 up to the group size. Show one step at a time, and ask the whole group to work it out silently before the child answers.
- A closed loop gives a built-in check, which means you rarely need to mark answers.
- Works online with no equipment. Children only need to listen and think.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the chain return to the start?
The last step is worked out so the chain ends where it began. It gives everyone an easy way to check the answers.
How many players do I need?
Choose 6, 8 or 12 steps. With fewer players, some can take two turns.
What if someone gets a step wrong?
Check backwards through the chain to find which answer does not fit.