Closest To

This is a game for two to four players. The object is to estimate differences accurately and have the most points at the end of the game.

Materials

• 1 recording sheet in the Student Activity Book per player
• 1 prepared set of four Number Squares per player
• 1 prepared deck from Closest To Game Cards Master
• scissors

Directions

1. Players hold their Number Squares in their hands. The deck of game cards are placed face down in the middle of the players.
2. For each round, one game card is turned over to display a mixed number. In Game 1, each player estimates the difference that results from subtracting this mixed number from 3 . In Game 2, players will subtract from 4 . Each player places one of their number cards face down, indicating whether they think the difference is closest to 0, 1, 2, or 3.
3. Players record the number sentence on their recording sheet and find the difference using mental math or paper and pencil. They also record whether the difference is closest to 0, 1, 2, or 3.
4. Players reveal their number cards. If their estimate was correct, they record one point on their recording sheet.
5. Players collect their number cards and begin another round.
6. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.