Yet another way to use games is to make them the basis for mathematical investigations. Basic Strategy Games Basic strategy games are particularly suitable as starting points for investigations because players instinctively to try to discover a winning strategy, and usually the best way to do this is to analyse the outcomes of series of 'moves'. With a little encouragement from the teacher, a mathematical investigation is born. A few questions at the appropriate time will open up the task for the children and lead to some good quality mathematical thinking. For example, a basic version of the ancient game of NIM can be used to start an investigation.
NIM Make a pile of seven counters.
Two players each take turns to remove either one or two counters from the pile. The player left with last counter is the loser. Invite the children to play the game several times and they are sure to begin searching for winning strategies without being prompted. Ask whether it matters whom goes first and encourage them to record moves. Opponents will soon become partners in investigation as they test their theories.