NIM Games: Great for pattern developing and logical thinking.

 After being woken this morning, by what sounded like brief spurts of strong winds, realised it was the gas burning to keep a hot air balloon aloft.

This of course reminded me of a Maths NIM Activity (already on this Blog) BALLOONS OVER WAIRARAPA! so I wont republish it here.

Nim is an ancient mathematical game of strategy, likely originating in China and popular in Europe by the 16th century. Known for its simple "take-away" rules, Harvard mathematician Charles L. Bouton coined the name "Nim" (from German nimm, "take") 

There are many forms of NIM, I used extensively what I called 21, in my Advisory work.  I also used it when driving my son to Intermediate School, many years ago.

TWENTY ONE 

A game for two people or teams

Start with                                                             21

Individuals take turns to Take Away(Subtract)     3, or 2, or 1  from the running total

The Individual who subtracts 3 or 2 or 1 to make ZERO Wins.

            e.g.                                    21  -    3    =    18

                                                     18    -    1    =    17

                                                    17    -    2    =    15

                                                    15    -    3    =    12 .........

For younger players this could be written instead of working in the head

Pose the Question:  How can you win most of the time?

                                Encourage scenarios and then try them out (Dont do this until they have plated many games with different partners. 

                                Can also be played with taking away 1, 2, 3, or 4 !

                                                    Or adding to make a target number, say 25