5-19-2020 Race to 21

RACE to 21

Here is a fun, quick counting game called Race to 21. It is for all ages and there are some strategies that you will soon figure out.

The game is for 2-4 players.  In this game, players take turns counting up to three numbers beginning with 1 and working their way up. Whoever lands on 21 is eliminated and the next round begins with one less player. The remaining player is the “winner”.  

Here is a sample game.

Player 1: 1,2

Player 2: 3,4,5

Player 3: 6

Player 1: 7,8,9

Player 2:10,11

Player 3:13,14,15

Player 1: 16,17,18

Player 2: 19,20

Player 3 would then have to say 21 and would be eliminated. Player 1 and Player 2 would start another game.

You can mix up the game by 

• changing the Target number to 31, 50 or 100 if you wish

• Counting out up to two numbers or up to four numbers

Experiment and see if your strategy has to change in order to have your partners choose the final number.

Mary Ellen Huggins: Mount Vernon Schools Teaching and Learning