I Knew That! “The Math Card Game” is a fun way for children to practice and memorize their math facts. The cards come in 4 different versions: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division. Each set comes with both Problem Cards and Solution Cards, though the number of cards varies per set. Additionally, there is an instruction sheet with a solution chart included in each box.

With these card games children will be practicing the following math facts: Addition- 1+1 to 9+9, Subtraction- 10-10 to 1-1, Multiplication- 1x1 to 9x9, Division- 144/12 to 2/2. There are both Solution and Problem cards for each problem, so every card will have a match. 

The games are simple to play. The object of the game is to match the Solution cards to Problem cards by working out the problem.  Each player is dealt 7 Solution cards.  The cards that remain are then placed in the middle of the table along with the Problem cards. Each player draws a Solution card to see who goes first; highest number is the first to play. All players are to turn their Solution cards face up in front of them. The first player turns over a Problem card and tries to match it to one of their Solution cards. Each player continues to play until they cannot make a match. If a match cannot be found in their hand, the player is to draw a card. If this card matches they may continue to play. Play continues until all the cards have been played. The player with the most cards wins.

As we played, some of the answers came easily to the girls, while others needed to be worked out.  As they play the game more, the answers will hopefully become more familiar to them as they will recognize the answer without having to work the problem out. I have to say, I loved seeing the girls thinking about the problems and realizing the relationships between the numbers. For instance, they would see that a Solution card was close to the answer they needed, and they would say, “Oh, I just need one more!” (or two more, or one less, etc).

There is another, more challenging way to play this game.  Instead of Solution cards being face up, the Problem cards are face up in front of each player.  Solution cards are then drawn and compared to the problem cards in front of each player.  All other rules apply as before.  This was a little bit too tricky for my younger children but the oldest one seemed to really enjoy the challenge.  A word of caution: Pay attention to your child’s cues when playing this version.  It isn’t worth frustrating them if they are not ready. 

Also, this game can be rather time consuming, depending on how quickly your child can recognize how the problem cards match the solution cards.  The makers have also included a suggestion for a timed game where whoever has the most pairs at the end of a set amount of time is declared the winner.

Overall, we have had a wonderful time playing I Knew That! “The Math Card Game.”  Even Daddy joined in (mostly helping the younger children) and enjoyed himself.  We have yet to try the timed version though I think the children might enjoy the faster pace it involves.  I’m sure this is going to be one of the games that the children take out and play on their own from time to time.  I definitely recommend this product for children who are learning their math facts and those who need some reinforcement. It is so important that these facts come easily to children as math becomes more difficult. This game makes learning the facts so much more fun and engaging than using flash cards.

I Knew That! “The Math Card Game” is listed for 1^st through sixth grade with multiplication and division being recommended for higher grade levels. It retails for $5.95 for each version and can be purchased at their website.

-Product Review by Karen Waide, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, March, 2014