Sum Swamp (2002) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Sum Swamp is an educational board game designed to help children practice their math skills in a fun and interactive way. Released in 2002 by Learning Resources, this game has been a popular choice for parents and teachers looking to make learning math more engaging for kids.

Game Components of Sum Swamp

Game board: A 12” x 17” board featuring a swamp theme.

Game pieces: 4 swamp creature markers.

Dice: 2 number dice and 1 operations die (addition and subtraction).

Special spaces: Includes “Evens,” “Odds,” “Number Space,” “Short Cut,” and “Endless Loop” spaces.

How To Setup Sum Swamp

To set up the game, lay the game board on a flat surface. Each player chooses a swamp creature game piece and places it on the start space. Players roll the number dice to determine who goes first, with the player rolling the highest number starting the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Rolling Dice: Players roll two number dice and one operations die to form a math problem.

Math Problems: Players solve the addition or subtraction problem to determine how many spaces to move.

Special Spaces:

Evens or Odds: Roll a numbered die; if the result matches the space (even or odd), move forward that number of spaces.

Number Space: Roll the operations die; move forward or backward based on the number and operation.

Short Cut: Follow the arrow on the board to skip spaces.

Endless Loop: Move counter-clockwise around the loop until landing on the exit space.

Objective: The first player to reach the finish space wins.

Player Experience

Sum Swamp is designed for 2 to 4 players and is best suited for children aged 5 to 7 years. The game is colorful, engaging, and easy to understand, making it perfect for family game nights or classroom activities. It typically lasts between 10 to 20 minutes, allowing for repeated plays and tournaments.

Pros

Educational: Develops and sharpens beginning math skills in a fun way.

Engaging: Includes various special spaces that add excitement and challenge.

Awards: Winner of the Oppenheim Best Toy award and shortlisted for the Made For Mums Toy of the Year Award.

Quality: Good quality game board and game pieces.

Cons

Small Parts: Not suitable for children under 3 years due to choking hazards.

Dice Wear: Numbers on the dice can wear off over time.

Endless Loop: Can be frustrating and prolong the game unnecessarily.

Personal Thoughts on Sum Swamp

Sum Swamp is an excellent choice for families and educators looking to make learning math fun and interactive. It is ideal for preschool to first-grade children, helping them understand basic arithmetic operations and concepts like even and odd numbers. The game’s simplicity and challenges make it a great tool for developing math skills in a playful environment. However, it may require occasional maintenance to ensure the dice remain legible. Overall, Sum Swamp is a must-have for any family or classroom aiming to make math education enjoyable.

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