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Maths History

Maths in ancient games

Find counting, strategy and probability in old board games.

Quick answer

Maths is all around us, even in ancient games! Ancient people used counting, patterns, shapes, and strategy to play games, and these games helped them learn maths in fun ways.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how ancient games used maths and how you can play these games to learn more maths. Success signs:
  • You can explain how counting was used in ancient games
  • You can show how shapes and patterns helped in ancient games
  • You can play a simple ancient game and notice the maths in it
  • You can make up your own ancient-style game using maths

Why this matters

Maths isn’t just about numbers in a textbook. Ancient people played games that used maths to help them learn, have fun, and solve problems. When you play ancient games, you are doing the same thing as the first humans! You can learn about counting, patterns, shapes, and even chance and strategy. These games show how maths is part of our everyday lives, not just schoolwork.

How it works

Ancient games used maths in many ways:
  1. Counting to keep score or move pieces
  2. Using shapes and patterns to make boards
  3. Using strategy to win games
  4. Guessing or using chance to make moves

Examples you can see

Let’s look at some ancient games and how they use maths: 1. Senet (Egyptian game) In ancient Egypt, people played a game called Senet. The board had 30 squares arranged in a pattern. Players moved pieces along the board using dice or sticks. You needed to count the moves and plan ahead to win. 2. Pachisi (Indian game) Pachisi is an old Indian board game. The board is a cross shape with 25 squares. Players move pieces around the board, counting steps and using strategy. The game uses patterns to show how pieces move. 3. Go (Chinese game) Go is a game where players place stones on a grid. Each player tries to surround more territory than their opponent. The grid is made of rows and columns, which uses maths to make the board. 4. Backgammon (Ancient Persian game) Backgammon uses dice to move pieces. Players must count how many spaces to move and think ahead about where to place their pieces. This game uses chance and strategy together.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: Build your own ancient board game You are an ancient game designer! You need to create a simple board game that uses maths.
  1. Choose a theme: Space, jungle, underwater, or castle
  2. Draw a board with shapes and patterns (like a grid or a path)
  3. Decide how to move pieces (using dice, counters, or spinners)
  4. Count the moves or spaces
  5. Plan a way to win the game (like collecting items or reaching the end)
Now, play your game with a friend or family member. See how many maths ideas you can use!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that ancient games were just for fun, not for learning. Why it happens: Children may not understand how games teach skills. Fix: Remember that all games use some kind of maths, even if it’s not obvious!
  • Mistake: Counting wrong when moving pieces. Why it happens: It's easy to get confused when counting quickly. Fix: Count slowly and say each number out loud. Use fingers or objects to help.
  • Mistake: Not using patterns or shapes in games. Why it happens: Some games don’t look like they use maths. Fix: Look closely at how pieces are arranged or how the board is made.

Parent and carer guide

You can help your child by:
  • Playing ancient-style games together
  • Asking questions like, "How many spaces did you move?" or "What shape is that part of the board?"
  • Encouraging them to make up their own games
  • Reading stories about ancient games together
  • Using everyday items like coins, dice, or blocks to make a board
Remember: It's okay if your child doesn’t get it right the first time. Learning through play is how children understand maths best.

Practice questions

  1. How many squares are there in a 5x5 grid board?
  2. If you roll a dice and get a 3, how many spaces do you move?
  3. What shape is a chess board made of?
  4. How many players are needed for the game Pachisi?
  5. Which ancient game uses a 6x6 grid?
Answers:
  1. 25 squares
  2. 3 spaces
  3. Squares
  4. 4 players
  5. Go

FAQ

What is the oldest board game?

The oldest known board game is Senet, which was played in ancient Egypt around 3000 BC.

Can I play ancient games today?

Yes! Many ancient games are still played today. You can find them in books, online, or even in toy stores.

How does playing ancient games help with maths?

Playing ancient games helps you learn counting, patterns, shapes, and strategy. It also makes maths more fun and interesting!

Do ancient games use the same maths as modern games?

Yes! Many ancient games use the same maths as modern games, like counting, patterns, and shapes. But they often use simple tools like dice or sticks instead of computers.

Can I make my own ancient game?

Yes! You can make a game with a simple board, pieces, and rules. Try using shapes, counting, or dice to make it fun and maths-rich.