★ #SBS Winner — Chosen by Theo Paphitis

Learn Maths the Fun Way!

"Revise, Learn and Have Fun"

Maths Trumps is a brilliant educational card game — a unique variant of the much-loved classic trump card games. 6 exciting packs available, suitable for all ages and abilities. It really does make learning maths fun!

Buy the Packs How to Play

Official #SBS Winner

Chosen by Theo Paphitis, star of BBC's Dragons' Den — August 2016

Theo Paphitis

Dragons' Den star and retail entrepreneur personally selected Maths Trumps as an #SBS winner

About the Game

What is 'Maths Trumps'?

'Maths Trumps' is a brilliant maths card game — a unique educational variant of the much-loved classic trump card games that have been played and enjoyed around the world for decades.

Traditional trump card games rely on players reading out numerical values from a selected category on their first card, and the player whose value is numerically largest wins. 'Maths Trumps' develops this already entertaining card game and turns it into a highly rewarding and fun educational experience. It really does make learning maths fun!

Instead of simply reading out a value from a chosen category, players have to correctly solve a maths question to earn their numerical value. When a player correctly solves their problem, they are then permitted to compare their value with those of their opponents, as per the original game.

What is the 'Bonus' Question For?

The 'bonus' question provides the winner of each round with an opportunity to claim an extra card from each of their opponents! If the winner of the round correctly answers the bonus question, they win a further card from each opponent!

What is Included in a Pack?

Each pack of 'Maths Trumps' contains: game cards, 'Useful Info' cards, 'Examples' cards, 'Answer' cards, and 'Game Instructions' cards.

Channel 4's Countdown star Rachel Riley gives 'Maths Trumps' a big thumbs up on Twitter!

Chalkdust Magazine Review

"A mathematically-themed version of the classic card game, with several new features... The game's creators were one step ahead and put new twists in to broaden the appeal. Properties are not written on the cards, and must be worked out (against the clock) if you're to win!"

Reviewed by Belgin Seymenoglu, Sean Jamshidi and Eleanor Doman — Chalkdust Magazine, May 2018

Read the full review at Chalkdust Magazine →

Purchase

6 Exciting Packs

Click any pack to purchase from Tarquin Publications. Each pack is self-contained and suitable for all ages and abilities.

Maths Trumps — 2D Shapes

Angles, perimeters, areas and more. Perfect for KS3 and GCSE.

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Maths Trumps — 3D Shapes

Surface areas, volumes, vertices and more.

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Maths Trumps — Positive & Negative

Number operations, directed numbers and more.

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Maths Trumps — Connections

Number patterns, sequences, relationships and more.

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Maths Trumps — Snooker

A snooker-themed pack combining maths with sport.

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Maths Trumps — Darts

A darts-themed pack — sport meets maths brilliantly.

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Best Value — All 6 Packs!

Get all six Maths Trumps packs together in one great value bundle. The ultimate collection for schools, maths departments and serious maths enthusiasts!

Buy the Complete Set

The Real Thing

See Inside the Packs

A look at the actual cards inside each pack.

Game Instructions

How to Play

For any number of players. Simple to learn, brilliantly educational to play.

1

All Maths Trumps cards are shared equally among participants. If any cards are left over, they should be set aside for the winner of the first round to claim.

2

The player with the highest numbered card (top left corner) chooses a category from their first card.

3

All players answer the question on their own first card for the chosen category. Players should be encouraged to show their calculations on a separate sheet of paper.

4

Answers are checked with those on the 'Answer Card'. The winner is the player whose correct answer is numerically larger than the correct answers of each opponent.

5

If there is a tie, or if all players get incorrect answers, the cards are placed aside for the winner of the next round to claim.

6

The winner of each round has the option of asking any opponent to read out their 'Bonus' question. If correctly answered, they win an extra card from each opponent!

7

The game continues with the winner of each round choosing the category for the next round. No category may be chosen in consecutive rounds, and all categories must be used during a game.

8

The winner is the player who claims all cards first, or the player with the most cards at the end of an agreed time limit.

Testimonials

What people are saying

"A great resource for teachers to review work done on 2D shapes, and also really useful for parents to play with their children at home. Ideal for 11–16 year olds. I am looking forward to more of these on different topics."

"My son loved the Maths Trumps. It's a great way to make maths a comfortable and fun subject. Doing it as a game makes children approach maths with a different attitude that's very helpful to their learning."

"This game amazed with its genuine fun factor as well as its challenging geometric thinking. Great game."

"The maths behind them is great — really well worked out in lots of detail."

Read all testimonials →

In the Classroom

Maths Trumps in Action

A real account from a maths tutor using Maths Trumps with two students.

Student Boy B — Year 11, predicted Grade A

Boy B is having 1-to-1 tuition at a tuition centre. He enjoys playing games and usually wins. In two sessions where we played Maths Trumps, I wanted to extend his knowledge and skills because I believe he is Gifted and Talented.

Session 1: Cards were dealt selectively to provide appropriate challenge. He needed me to teach him about rotational symmetry — so we took a break from the game while I taught him that. He made only one mistake throughout, self-corrected quickly, and beat me 10–5.

Session 2: More difficult cards were selected. He had learned how to find the sum of interior angles in irregular polygons and practised this in the game. He won and answered the bonus question correctly — a significant achievement given his difficulties with written mathematical reasoning. Boy B really enjoyed playing Maths Trumps.

Student Girl A — Year 10, Grade C/D borderline

Girl A lacks confidence and needs help with literacy in maths. Cards were selected to suit her level, with the bonus question used to develop her written reasoning skills.

She made one mistake but was able to correct it herself. After playing, she had learned to find the sum of interior angles in regular polygons and practise exterior angle calculations. She met both learning objectives and really enjoyed playing the game.

What Maths Trumps users are saying...

"A great resource for teachers to review work done on 2D shapes, and also really useful for parents to play with their children at home. Ideal for 11–16 year olds. I am looking forward to more of these on different topics."

"The maths behind them is great — really well worked out in lots of detail."

"My son loved the Maths Trumps. It's a great way to make maths a comfortable and fun subject. Doing it as a game makes children approach maths with a different attitude that's very helpful to their learning."

"All good, nothing bad!"

"A truly great product."

"Had a great game of Maths Trumps with my 8 year old, but with categories including interior and exterior angles, this card game is great for older kids too. Thanks to PA Hunt for the great game."

"An awesome resource!"

"This game amazed with its genuine fun factor as well as its challenging geometric thinking. Great game."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which age group is 'Maths Trumps' aimed at?

'Maths Trumps' is suitable for all ages and abilities. Younger children could initially play using a single category (e.g. number of sides), whereas older and more able players would be expected to use every category, as intended in the full game rules.

Will 'Maths Trumps' provide differentiation for my pupils?

Absolutely! The questions and categories vary in difficulty and can be included or omitted as desired during a game. The bonus questions are an optional extra that will really motivate more able players — some of them are quite tricky too!

Can 'Maths Trumps' be played using alternative rules?

By all means, yes! For example, instead of winning a card from every opponent for correctly answering the bonus question, you may wish to only win an extra card from a nominated opponent — that will inject a little added rivalry into the game! You could also play as teams, either collectively or by nominating team members for each round. Other ideas would be gratefully received — do get in touch!