PIG Game

Play PIG, a fun way to practice arithmetic! We have instructions for two versions below; online & using dice.

Pig was was first recorded by the American magician John Scarne in the 1940s. It can help players develop skills in arithmetic and strategy.  Teacher Peter Kane recommends it as an alternative way to get pupils doing maths. He suggests playing the game with the whole class during Maths Week as a fun activity. After reviewing the rules below, students should be ready to roll!

PIG: Online Version

An online version was developed by Maths Week for pupils of all ages and can be played in teams of 2 – 6 players.

Click on the image opposite to play!

PIG: Dice Game

There are 2 levels:
Basic PIG game – suitable for 3rd and 4th classes (need 1 die for each group)
MultiPIGation game – more challenging for 5th & 6th Class. (dice needed for each group)

Basic PIG
PIG is a game for 2 to 6 players.

  1. Players take turns with a die.
  2. On a player’s turn he/she can roll a die as many times as they like.
  3. If a roll is a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, the player adds that many points to their score for the turn.
  4. A player may choose to end their turn at any time and “bank” their points.
  5. If a player rolls a 1, they lose all their unbanked points and their turn is over.

Beginner’s Game: The first player to score 50 or more points wins.
Advanced Game: The first player to score 100 or more points wins.

MultiPIGation game

The multPIGation game will stretch the pupils a bit more.
This is similar to basic PIG but players throw 2 die and multiply the two scores.
Even number can be banked but odd answer loses point/turn.

Monster Calculation Game

See also Monster Game: a similar game that you can make up yourself and doesn’t require dice. Click on the picture to see instructions.

There are lots more fun learning activities available for home-learning on our Maths at Home Activities Page