There are many card games that, while they are fun to play, also help build mathematical skills.  These games include Poker, Blackjack and invented games.  For a description of the game, just click its name.  Links to a full explanation of each game are available with the descriptions.


Poker

Probably the most popular card game is Poker.  When recognizing the different hands, this game helps develop Math skills since it requires associating numbers, colors and figures.  Putting together pairs, three-of-a-kinds or four-of-a-kinds requires matching numbers, while flushes require matching suits.  Identifying a straight involves putting cards in increasing order.  Ranking the hands in order of strength also uses the idea of numbers being greater or lesser.



image obtained from http://www.signonsandiego.com/


Finally, more complicated Math in Poker arises when calculating the probability of the different poker hands.  This is an important part of strategy because it helps to know the probability of achieving a certain hand.  This is a topic that is discussed in Math classes.  Because many students are familiar with the game, they can relate to the problems asked in class, and are usually more interested.  Thus, students sometimes develop a greater interest in Math.

For example, one can use Mathematics to show the probability of achieving a royal flush on the first hand.  The probability can be calculated by finding the number of ways of having a royal flush and dividing by the total number of Poker hands.  There are 52 cards in a deck and a poker hand has 5 cards.  So the number of ways to make a Poker hand is 52 choose 5  (for an explanation on choice numbers, click here).  52 choose 5 is equal to 2,598,960, so the probability of obtaining a royal flush on the first hand is 4 over 2,598,960.  In other words, it happens in about 1 in every 649,740 hands, so one should not help to get this.


Yet another way to add math to the game is by using chips, which also adds more fun.  This helps practice algebra skills by allowing certain chips to represent certain amounts of money.

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Blackjack

This use of chips can be used in many other games, such as Blackjack.  Algebra is also practiced since the cards represent numerical values; the face cards represent 10 and the ace represents 1 or 11.  The main idea of the game is to compare values of hands so again, players must evaluate whether hands are greater, lesser or equal.  Other popular card games that involve areas of Mathematics such as the ones described here are Hearts, War and Crazy Eights.

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Invented Games

Of course Math card games are not limited to existing card games.  For example, War can be modified to make players exercise different Math skills. The game can be altered by placing mathematical operations in a hat and randomly picking them. For example, let’s say a “+” is picked. The first person to add the two numbers correctly wins.  However, if the person answers it incorrectly, then the other player receives the cards.  Some other Math card games can be obtained at the following websites:

http://www.georgedavison.schools.sd76.ab.ca/Teachers/Lamarche/Math%20Games/math_games.htm

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3666/is_200408/ai_n9427572

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Descriptions of Games


Poker: A card game where the player with the highest-ranking hand wins.

For a full explanation of the game, click here

For a list of poker probabilities click here

For more information on poker probabilities, click here

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BlackJack: A card game where players win by beating the dealer without going over 21.

For a full explanation of the game, click here

For a list of BlackJack probabilities, click here

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Hearts: A card game played in turns where every player must place a card from his or her hand.  The object of the game is to get the least amount of points.

For a full explanation of the game, click here

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War: A card game where the player with the highest card wins the round.

For a full explanation of the game, click here

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Crazy Eights: A card game for two or more players where the goal is to put all of your cards in the discard pile.

For a full explanation of the game, click here

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