Four in a Row

The object of the game is to cover four squares in a row vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. This is a game for two players.

Materials

• Four in a Row Game Board 1 in the Student Activity Book
• 2 paper clips
• 2 different-color game markers, 1 color for each player

Directions

1. Player 1 chooses a number from the Factor List by placing a paper clip on the number.
2. Player 2 also chooses a number from the Factor List by placing the second paper clip on the number. Two paper clips can be placed on one factor; for example, 5 5.
3. Player 2 finds the product of the two numbers marked by the paper clips and places one of his or her makers on that number on the Product List.
4. Player 1 then moves either paper clip to another factor, and covers the new product with one of his or her markers.
5. Players take turns moving one paper clip and covering a product with their marker. If a product is already marked, the player does not get to mark a product in that turn. If the product the player tries to mark is not correct, the the correct product must be marked.
6. The winner is the first player to mark four products in a row with his or her markers.

Variations

• Vary the game board by varying the list of factors and creating a board with all the related products. See the Four in a Row Game Board 2 in the Student Activity Book.
• Change the number of products players have to get in a row to win (for example, five in a row).