Have fun creating equations crossword-style while honing math skills from simple addition to fractions and algebraic logic. Included are a laminated board; 190 tiles including whole numbers, fractions, the 4 basic operations symbols, and equal symbols; a 23-page rules booklet with math review; and 4 racks. 2 to 4 players. Ages 8 to adult.

5 Responses to “Equate: The Equation Thinking Game”

1. B. Capossere says:

   January 1, 2010 at 12:00 am

   We’ve played this with our 8-yr-old (second grade) son and have thoroughly enjoyed it. Without a doubt, the game offers plenty of opportunities for critical thinking, planning, review of basic math (addition, subtraction), practice in grade-level or difficult math (multiplication, division, strings of operations), and introduction of challenging concepts like equivalent fractions, multiplying/dividing fractions, etc. We do a lot of interacting with each other’s tiles to come up with multiple scenarios in order to use those as teaching moments.

   Gameplay and setup is very easy (and one can also easily modify rules for simpler play) and while one wishes for wooden and hard plastic trays rather than thin plastic, or tiles rather than cardboard numbers/symbols, well, those days seem to be a bit behind us and the tradeoff in cost may not be worth it for some. Turns can last a while, especially as the board begins to fill up and it gets more difficult to fit equations in; this is not an in-and-out-in 20-minutes family game. But we just leave it out and finish at a more convenient time if we go long. Earlier comments mention the problem with getting a zero and a multiplier and then being able to “run the table” so to speak, but that’s a rare occurrence and one could always just make a rule where zeroes can’t be used with the times symbol–problem solved.

   All in all, we’re very pleased with both the family fun and the educational aspects of the game–highly recommended.
2. Happy Go Lucky says:

   November 14, 2009 at 12:00 am

   Bought this for my nieces and one struggles with math. She loves to play board games so it’s a great way for her to stengthen her math skills.

   Will buy one for my kids when they are older.
3. B. Mcclure says:

   October 16, 2009 at 12:00 am

   We bought this game as an educational tool for our home school. It is very versatile in that you can choose to do easy (just addition and/or subtraction) or more difficult (adding in multiplication, division, and fractions). Thus, it is adaptable for any age group (above 6yrs old). It is great for 1st grade through adults. It is exactly like Scrabble. My husband and I even have fun playing it, even though we bought it for the kids’ use. I highly recommend it for any home!
4. C. Dillman says:

   February 8, 2009 at 12:00 am

   About as educational as you can get for 2nd-4th grade. One of the few ways to brush up on math skills with my 7 yrs old outside the evening homework. Once scoring is done, will work together trying to use up all of the tiles filling the board out. With the expansion packs you increase the challenges as skills develop.

   Having purchased many boardgames I would say quality is above average and exceeded my expectations.
5. Karen S. Allen says:

   February 4, 2009 at 12:00 am

   This a good family game (or a game for those in the family who like or need help with math). Our grandson (age 9), who is pretty much a math whiz, loves it — he’s challenged by the game format and having to come up with equations on his own.