Equate (1996) – Board Game Guys

Equate

Equate was developed by Conceptual Math Media and is designed for 2 to 4 players or teams, suitable for ages 8 and up.

Game Components of Equate

Playing Board: A 19×19 grid where players form equations.

Tile Sets: Includes the Original Tile Set with 190 tiles containing numbers (whole and fractions), the four basic operations, and equal symbols. Additional sets include the Junior Tile Set and the Advanced Tile Set, which can be purchased separately.

Racks: Four racks for players to hold their tiles.

Rule Booklet: Includes sample plays, math review, and instructions on how to play.

Premium Board Positions: Special positions on the board that offer higher scores.

How To Setup Equate

To set up Equate, players start by placing the 19×19 game board in the center. Each player selects a rack and draws nine tiles from the tile set. The game begins with a central starting point, and players must connect their subsequent plays to the existing equations on the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Forming Equations: Players create true equality statements (equations) horizontally or vertically on the board.

Using Tiles: Players use tiles with numbers, fractions, basic operations, and equal symbols to form these equations.

Connecting Plays: Each play must connect to a previous equation on the board.

Scoring: Points are earned based on the symbols used and the premium board positions landed on.

Advanced Strategies: Using division, fractions, and landing on high-scoring positions increases the score.

Player Experience

Equate is designed to be engaging for both families and classrooms. It encourages an interest in fractions and motivates players to learn more about mathematical concepts. The game adapts to different levels of play, making it suitable for players aged 8 and up. Advanced players find the game strategically challenging due to the inclusion of large numbers, negative integers, and exponents in the Advanced Tile Set.

Pros

Educational Value: Enhances understanding of mathematical operations and fractions.

Adaptability: Suitable for various skill levels through different tile sets.

Strategic Depth: Challenging for advanced players while accessible for beginners.

Family and Classroom Use: Beneficial in both home and educational settings.

Cons

Complexity for Beginners: The game may be overwhelming for very young or mathematically inexperienced players.

Additional Costs: Advanced Tile Sets are sold separately.

Limited Player Count: Designed for 2 to 4 players or teams.

Personal Thoughts on Equate

Equate is an excellent choice for anyone looking to blend fun and education, particularly those interested in mathematics or seeking to improve their math skills. It is ideal for families with children aged 8 and above, as well as for teachers looking to make math lessons more engaging. The game’s adaptability to different skill levels ensures that both beginners and advanced players can enjoy and benefit from it.

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