Math Games with Bad Drawings: 75 1/4 Simple, Challenging, Go-Anywhere Games—And Why They Matter

by Ben Orlin

Bestselling author and worst-drawing artist Ben Orlin expands his oeuvre with this interactive collection of mathematical games. With 70-plus games, each taking a minute to learn and a lifetime to master, this treasure trove will delight, educate, and entertain.From beloved math popularizer Ben Orlin comes a masterfully compiled collection of dozens of playable mathematical games.This ultimate game chest draws on mathematical curios, childhood classics, and soon-to-be classics, each hand-chosen to be (1) fun, (2) thought-provoking, and (3) easy to play. With just paper, pens, and the occasional handful of coins, you and a partner can enjoy hours of fun—and hours of challenge.Orlin’s sly humor, expansive knowledge, and so-bad-they’re-good drawings show us how simple rules summon our best thinking.Games

Ultimate Tic-Tac-ToeSproutsBattleshipQuantum Go FishDots and BoxesBlack HoleOrder and ChaosSequenciumPaper BoxingPropheciesArpeggiosBankerFrancoprussian LabyrinthCats and DogsAnd many more.

Genres: Mathematics, Nonfiction, Science, Humor, Graphic Novels, Education, Games

355 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 5, 2022

Reviews

[Ben Orlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, perhaps it's gauche to write a five-star review one's own book. But (a) it's really good, and (b) it's only "mine" in the loosest sense.

See, although I crafted a handful of the games myself, the others come from dozens of different designers, ranging from mathematicians to schoolchildren to self-aggrandizing magicians.

Also, although I gave each game a thorough test-drive, I relied on additional play-testing feedback from hundreds of kind and insightful strangers, whose words you'll hear throughout the book as I try to explain how each game brings out our best mathematical thinking.

Finally, although I distinctly recall writing the book myself, my two-year-old has started saying "This my book" and "I wrote this book." Who am I to contradict her?

So, since the book is scarcely mine at all, I can make impartial claims like "These games are all fun, thought-provoking, and easy to learn" and "Some of them deserve to become universally-known classics" and "This book is objectively enormous, with the mass and dimensions of a queen-sized mattress." (Seriously though. The thing is huge.)

Anyway, a book of games never really belongs to the author. It belongs to the players, whose creativity and curiosity will take the games to places that their artistically inept compiler could never have imagined.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being the nerd I am, I might need to buy this. I didn't get remotely through all of it before I have to return it tomorrow to my local library. TONS of cool math games, that are easy to do with paper, pencil, partner, maybe some dice or checker-pieces.

The author injects humor. I was a little worried as I'm also reading Change is the Only Constant: The Wisdom of Calculus in a Madcap World by Orlin too. He has WAY TOO much humor in this book that has calculus in it. But this Games book is 'just right'.

I like how he not just explains the game, but adds multiple variations. He goes into what type(s) of learning behaviors are gained, without going deep.

The only minor problem with these games is that you need a partner that is semi-nerdy like you are. So I think this would be a great resources for math clubs at schools, or just use by math teachers to teach some skills quietly under the radar. Kids would think they are having fun!

Solid 5*

[FusionEight · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's exactly what it says on the tin: you've got math games illustrated through bad drawings. What's not to like? Plus each of the games that are detailed fully lead to a mathematical concept. Neat.

My gripes with it are subjective: it was too ridiculously expensive, I already knew some of the games presented, others were just not so interesting, the drawings are not bad but superfluous. But still it's such a fascinating, nerdy experience I can't rate it lower than four stars.

[sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely drawings. Lovely games. I hope to work my way through all of them someday. For now, I’m at about five.

[Kam Yung Soh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating book of maths based games for two or more players. Separated into various categories, there are more than enough here to keep more maths minded people happy. Most of the games can be played using coloured pens or pencils and paper with dice (on-line ones will do). The book might be a hit for families or groups who are interested in mathematical fun (and some disguised mathematical lessons).

Each game starts with an introduction to the game and its rules, then some notes on the games, a brief history of the games, why they are mathematically interesting, and closes with variations of the games that can be played.

You don't have to read the book from cover to cover, although that is the way to read it to discover all the games covered in the book. If you have an interest in a certain type of game, you can skip directly to it. A case could also be made to turn the book itself into a game by letting each person in your group choose a game to play (by choice or randomly).

Even if you don't play the games, the background material is sufficiently interesting for those into mathematics and discovering (or learning) some of the possibly strategies (if any) than be used to play the games.

[Barbara McVeigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t yet read the book cover to cover, but took it over to my nephew’s and we picked through a few games to play. Some of the games were more interesting than others. I need to explore the game variations and mathematical connections more. A lot of the time, my nephew and I wanted the games to be more challenging.

I look forward to sharing this book with a math teacher!

[Sbwisni · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many ideas for games I can use with my middle-schoolers! Love the humor Ben brings to his books and this one is no different.

⚠️ Some humor within written text may not be appropriate for school use, so use caution if just handing over to students as-is.

[Maurizio Codogno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perché giocare è importante anche per i matematici

Vabbè, Ben Orlin e i suoi disegni brutti non hanno bisogno di presentazioni. I giochi qui presenti (non sono davvero 75 1/4: alla fine c'è tutta la spiegazione di come è arrivato a quel numero) mi erano in parte noti ma generalmente sconosciuti: Orlin si muove nel sottile crinale tra non spiegare assolutamente le possibili strategie e dare troppe spiegazioni. La struttura secondo me è anche ottima, non tanto per la suddivisione in capitoli a seconda della matematica che sta dietro il gioco quanto per le variazioni indicate alla fine di ogni gioco e che spesso sono giochi dalla strategia completamente diversa. Ma soprattutto quella che mi è piaciuta è la parte "perché è importante" alla fine della spiegazione di ogni gioco. Spesso quando giochiamo non vogliamo farci tanti problemi: ma se uno è un matematico dentro, a volte i problemi sono più divertenti del gioco stesso, e sapere quali sono i temi matematici toccati può essere utile.
Ricordo che esiste anche la scatola con gli strumenti per giocare, se uno è un collezionista :-)

[Morgan Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a bad word to say about this one. It’s an endless playground for anyone at all ages. I’m the kind of person who likes the “why” and application and context behind creations, and this book delivers. I feel validated in my love of games and my aptitude towards them. It’ll help me in my life because it helps with problem solving and applying different skills in smaller contexts.

[Kevin Hodgson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful collection of math games that can be done on paper, or with your fingers. Orlin is an insightful writer, teacher and comic maker. This book is great for the classroom, for the family or just for your own curiosity.

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lot of fun and a great resource for anyone (not just math teachers!) who want to both pick up some fun games to play and take a dive into the mathematics behind them.

[Mark A.]

""

[Akiva ꙮ]

Flipped through Mike's copy - fascinating

[Helen Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author brings to life 75 unique games that revolve around mathematical concepts, but in a way that makes the subject feel fresh and engaging. Orlin’s distinctive "bad drawings" are scattered throughout the book, adding an element of fun that demystifies the often intimidating subject of math. The games are designed to be accessible to a wide range of ages and math skill levels, making it a perfect read for both math enthusiasts and those who shy away from the subject.

What makes this book particularly compelling is its balance of simplicity and challenge. Some games are quick and easy, perfect for when you want to enjoy a fast round of maths game hit the button while others are more complex, offering hours of thoughtful engagement. Orlin’s approach is to make math feel less like a task and more like a playful exploration, which he succeeds in achieving through a variety of puzzles, riddles, and strategic challenges. Each game also comes with insightful explanations on why these mathematical principles matter, giving readers a deeper understanding of the concepts at play.

Beyond just the games, Orlin does an excellent job of tying mathematics to everyday life. He emphasizes how math isn’t just confined to the classroom but can be found in daily activities, social interactions, and even in the ways we approach problem-solving. The book’s whimsical tone, combined with its thought-provoking content, ensures that readers not only enjoy themselves but also walk away with a richer appreciation for the role of math in our world. It’s this blend of fun and learning that sets Orlin’s work apart.

In summary, Math Games with Bad Drawings is an outstanding resource for anyone looking to enjoy math in a less conventional way. The games, much like the popular maths game hit the button, sharpen your mathematical skills while keeping the experience light and entertaining. Whether you're a math novice or a seasoned problem-solver, this book promises hours of enjoyment, and it’s one that you’ll want to revisit time and time again.

[Stephanie Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun book for a math enthusiast like myself :) I haven’t got to play most of the games yet, but the ones I have were enjoyable, and it was still fun to read about all the games I haven’t tried yet. Ben Orlin is an entertaining writer regardless! And far from being “bad,” I thought the drawings were helpful and funny. All the games use minimal supplies, often just pencil and paper, sometimes dice or moving pieces that can be any small set of objects. Most feel very accessible and not overly “math-y” for people who don’t believe math can be fun. Games I either played or want to go back and revisit include:
- Dots and Boxes
- Ultimate Tic-Tac-Toe
- Dandelions
- Order and Chaos
- Sequencium
- The 24 Game
- Black Hole
- Tax Collector
- Love and Marriage
- Teeko
- Neighbors
- Pferdeäppel
- Hold that Line
- Cats and Dogs
- Row Call
- Undercut
- Arpeggios
- Outrangeous
- Paper Boxing
- Pig
- Caveat Emptor (Auction Game)
- Liar’s Dice
- Buried Treasure (kinda like Clue, but simpler)
- Win, Lose, Banana

[B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this one and the publisher was kind enough to also send along The Ultimate Game Collection - a companion box of dry erase boards, markers, a mini version of the much larger book, dice, and small tokens, all of which can be used to do a sort of travel sized version of the larger book. And when I say large - I do mean large - the hardcover is 11.5 inches tall and 7.5 inches wide. This has to be my main complaint about this one - it's too cumbersome. I think this would have worked better as a workbook sized paperback or spiral bound. Other than that, the games are relatively fun. This one can't have a true book review because it's not a true book, but this is the best I've got in terms of an activity text.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orlin has done it again! His third book (accompanied by his signature Bad Drawing) does a fantastic job of explaining the underlying mathematical concepts behind well-known, obscure, and sometimes even made-up games. Most of the games in this book are pencil-and-paper games, and he's grouped all 75.25 games included in the book into one of five categories, including spatial games, number games, and information games. I've already played a handful of these games with family members, and the non-math-inclined among them actually enjoyed the games! I look forward to playing all of them at some point!

[Jenny GB · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was ecstatic when I realized Ben Orlin has been writing books! How did I miss that? I loved reading his blog when I was a math teacher. Even better was learning that one of the books was about games! This is my idea of a great time. I will admit I read the book instead of playing it since I have two young kids and not enough free time and brain cells at the end of the day so I can’t comment on playing these games, but boy did I love reading about games and thinking about how fun some of them sounded. The drawings and jokes were great as always and I really enjoyed it. This book brought a lot of joy and I’m so grateful I stumbled across it and now and I can read Orlin’s other books, too!

[Peter Knapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a fun, enjoyable book for anyone who enjoys board games, puzzles, and pencil & paper games. Though it says "math games" (and math people will enjoy this for sure), there is really no math required. In truth, the weakest part of the book is when Orlin tries to expound on "why this game matters", reaching to make connections between a game, mathematical theory, and that theory's applicability in life ... when really, sometimes a game is just a game. Still, there are a lot of games to explore and enjoy here!

[Deryk Rumbold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pitch perfect moments of the wide range that the world of games have to offer from the superbly stupid miscalculated games like Teeko to the pure mathematical exercise like an isomorphic Tic Tac Toe with digits 1-9 this contains it all in a wonderfully inspiring and fun package. Super excited to implement these in my own Algebra class.

Also any book that references the film Troll 2 is a win in my book.

[Francisco Rueda Lillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una maravilla que leer, releer y jugar.

[Creighton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yup, loved everything about this! And it's an invaluable resource for the math teacher who truly loves his sport.

[nikki d · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extraordinarily useful for classrooms. Kids ask me to play all the time.

[Michael Trick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book with interesting games and very insightful discussion throughout. I'm particularly taken with the variety of games, and the minimal equipment (generally just paper and pen) needed. I'm taking this on the next long family trip!