Kreativna matematika – Educational Card game

Kreativna matematika – the educational card game is a natural continuation and extension of all the games from the Learning Kit, as it offers fun practice of all arithmetic operations, develops logic, concentration, and a sense of competition, and can be played over and over again – because it is always different and challenging. Unlike the Learning kit, the card game is equally fun and demanding for adults, making it perfect for shared learning, socializing, and friendly competition across generations.

Find out why Kreativna matematika – the card game was awarded the “Good Toy” prize in 2018 by the Friends of Children of Serbia Association 🔗.

Main game (for everyone from 5 to 95 years old)

In the basic version of Kreativna matematika – the card game, 2 to 6 players can participate, with 4 players being the ideal number to start with. The game can also be played in pairs, following the rule that partners must not sit next to each other.

Game setup and start:

1. Each player cuts the deck of cards.
2. The player who draws the highest card becomes the dealer.
3. The dealer gives the deck to the player on their left to cut – the top card becomes the “key card”, which determines the winner at the end of the game.
4. The key card can remain hidden or be revealed for strategic planning.
5. Each player is dealt 5 cards, one by one, starting with the player on the dealer’s right – that player also begins the game.
6. As many cards as there are players (up to 4) are placed face up on the table.

Objective of the Game:

The player uses one of their cards to collect all cards from the table that result from one or more mathematical operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division).

✅ It is mandatory to explain how the result was obtained.

❌ Players are not allowed to exchange cards or reveal the contents of their hand to others.

If a player has no valid combination, they may take one matching card from the table (if available) or discard one card.

An incorrect calculation returns all cards to the table, and the card used for the attempt is discarded.

⏱ Thinking time: 1–2 minutes (as agreed).

🃏 Rules for the Joker Card

• The Joker can collect all cards of the same color/symbol without calculation.
• It can replace any number from 1 to 9.
• If the Joker is on the table, it represents any card from 1 to 9 — the player must explain which value it stands for.

🏆 How is the winner determined?

At the end of the game, the “key card” is used for scoring:

The winner is the player with the highest total points. In team play (pairs), points are added together.

For easier understanding of the rules of this educational card game, click here to watch the video 🔗.

Competitive Tournaments

Tournaments are organized in three formats:

1. Individual Competition

• One-on-one matches
• Each player plays 3 rounds, with points added up
• In case of a tie – an additional round is played

2. Pairs Tournament

• Players register in pairs
• Rules are identical to the individual competition

3. Team Tournament

• Teams of 3 players
• Each player plays 3 rounds against members of the opposing team
• The winner is the team with the highest total score

⏱ Thinking time: 20 seconds per player

🕐 After that, “speed play” mode begins (up to 10 seconds per move)

Creative cards for Adults

The rules are the same as for children, with one key difference:

🔓 The “key card” is revealed immediately, allowing for strategic planning from the very beginning.

In this version of the game, the following skills take center stage:

• Mathematical abilities
• Logical thinking
• Tactics and planning

Kreativna matematika – High Stakes for Adults

Advanced version of the game for adults:

• The deck is divided into two “half-decks.”
• The game can be played individually or in pairs (up to 4 players).
• Each player reveals 2 cards, while 2 remain hidden.

This version reduces the role of luck and emphasizes strategy and analytical thinking.

📌 Recommendation: Play this version only after mastering the basic rules of the adult game.

It is not recommended until players have fully developed the skills required for the standard adult version.