Equate (1996) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Equate is a math-based board game that was first released in 1996 by Conceptual Math Media. It is designed to help players improve their math skills while having fun. The game has gained popularity over the years for its educational value and engaging gameplay.

Game Components of Equate

Laminated playing board: Similar to a Scrabble board, with spaces for scoring like “double” and “triple” scores.

190 tiles: Include numbers and mathematical symbols.

4 racks: For players to hide their tiles.

23-page rules booklet: Includes a math review.

Two zip-lock bags: For storing the tiles.

How To Setup Equate

Setting up Equate involves laying out the laminated playing board, distributing the tiles among the players, and each player placing their tiles behind their respective racks. The game requires separating the operation tiles from the number tiles, which can be a bit time-consuming.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Create equations: Players form equations by placing tiles on the board, both vertically and horizontally.

Score points: Points are earned by correctly completing simple equations, with higher scores for using division or fraction tiles and landing on premium board positions.

Levels of play: Suitable for ages 8 through adult, with many levels of difficulty.

Number of players: Designed for 2-4 players or teams.

Player Experience

Equate provides a challenging yet fun experience for players, particularly those interested in mathematics. It helps build skills in division, fractions, and the order of arithmetic operations. Players appreciate the game’s ability to combine the love of numbers and math into a fun, crossword-style game. However, some players find the instruction book lengthy and complicated, and the setup and cleanup process can be tedious.

Pros

Educational: Great for building math skills, especially division and fractions.

Challenging: Offers many levels of difficulty, making it engaging for a wide age range.

Family and classroom friendly: Suitable for both home and educational settings.

Confidence-building: Helps players develop math confidence and problem-solving skills.

Alternative to electronic games: A good option for those looking for a non-electronic game.

Cons

Complicated instructions: The instruction book can be lengthy and hard to follow.

Setup and cleanup: Requires time to separate and organize the tiles.

Time-consuming: Games can take a long time to play.

Personal Thoughts on Equate

Equate is an excellent choice for families, classrooms, and anyone looking to enhance their math skills in a fun and interactive way. It is particularly beneficial for children aged 8 and above, as well as for homeschooling and math education. While it may present some challenges with setup and instructions, the educational value and enjoyment it offers make it a worthwhile investment for math enthusiasts.

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