Dear Gamers,

Playing games is the best way to learn math. Board games, card games, dice games–all games require us to solve problems, develop strategies, and look for patterns. And that’s really what math is all about. I know I learned how numbers work by using them to play games like Monopoly, Trouble, or Sorry. And I learned how probability works by playing card games like poker, hearts, and gin rummy. And I learned how to think strategically from playing games like chess, Settlers of Catan, and Risk. I learned all of these things without even knowing I was learning them. I thought I was just having fun.

Today as we play games and solve problems, I want you to be looking for patterns. I think you’ll find that the most beautiful and elegant patterns emerge from the simplest beginnings–the roll of two dice, the shuffling of a deck of cards, a compass and straight edge construction, or the tracing pattern blocks.

Sincerely,

Mr. Heimbuck