Subtraction Games

Subtraction can sometimes feel like a challenge for students, especially when numbers get larger and strategies become more complex. That’s why games are such a powerful tool for teaching maths—they make learning active, engaging, and memorable. The Race to Zero Game is a free printable resource designed to help students practise subtraction, build fluency, and develop their mathematical reasoning skills in an exciting way.

At Smart Boarding School, we believe learning should never feel like a chore. This subtraction game blends strategy and chance so that students have fun while thinking deeply about numbers.

How the Game Works

The rules are simple, but the learning opportunities are rich:

Each player starts at 119 with their counter.
On their turn, players spin both spinners.
They look at the two numbers spun and choose one to subtract from their current position.
Players must explain their subtraction sum and thinking before moving their counter.
Their partner checks and agrees before the counter is moved.
The first player to land exactly on zero wins the game!

This element of choice—deciding which number to subtract—encourages students to think strategically. Should they take the bigger number and move quickly towards zero, or take the smaller number to give themselves a better chance of landing exactly on zero later? Every turn involves decision-making and reasoning, not just calculation.

Why This Game Builds Strong Maths Skills

The Race to Zero Game isn’t just about practising sums; it’s about developing a range of mathematical skills:

Subtraction Fluency – Students practise subtraction repeatedly in a motivating context, helping them recall facts more easily.
Strategic Thinking – Players must plan ahead and consider which move will get them closer to zero without going past it.
Mathematical Reasoning – Students are encouraged to explain their thinking, which strengthens understanding and builds confidence in communicating maths.
Peer Collaboration – Since partners need to agree on each move, students are learning to listen, check, and validate each other’s reasoning.

By making subtraction into a game, students engage longer and practise more than they would with a worksheet.

Classroom Ideas

Teachers can use this game in a variety of ways:

Maths Centres – Set it up as an independent station during maths rotations.
Small Groups – Perfect for guided maths sessions with targeted practice.
Early Finishers – A fun and meaningful activity for students who complete tasks quickly.
Class Competitions – Turn the game into a friendly tournament to build excitement and motivation.

Tips to Extend the Learning

Want to get even more out of this subtraction game? Try these extension ideas:

Record Each Move – Have students keep a subtraction journal of their moves to practise writing number sentences.
Discuss Strategies – After the game, ask students: What strategies helped you land on zero?
Change the Start Number – Pick a number that ties into your current unit of work (e.g., start at 200 if you’re working with three-digit subtraction).
Add a Twist – For an extra challenge, players must spin again if they land on an odd number, or they can only use one number from the spinner twice in a game.

These variations keep the game fresh and adaptable for different ability levels.

Free Download

The Race to Zero Game is completely free to download and use in your classroom or at home. Simply click the button at the bottom of this page to grab your copy.

At Smart Boarding School, all of our resources are free for teachers, parents, and homeschoolers to use. We believe that quality educational resources should be accessible to everyone.

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