A Fun Maths Brain-Teaser: Guess My Number!

Welcome to Guess My Number, a free online maths game that’s perfect for developing logical thinking and number sense. If you’re looking for a fun and engaging challenge for your Key Stage 1 or Key Stage 2 child, this classic game is a brilliant choice!

The mission is simple: the computer has thought of a secret number between 1 and 100. Your job is to guess it in as few attempts as possible! With each guess, the game will tell you if your guess is “Too high!” or “Too low!”, helping you narrow down the possibilities. If you get stuck, you can use the “Get a Hint” button to receive a clue about the number’s properties, like whether it’s odd or even.

How to Play

1. Start a New Game: The computer will secretly choose a number between 1 and 100.
2. Make a Guess: Type a number into the box and click the “Guess” button.
3. Read the Feedback: The game will tell you if your guess is too high or too low.
4. Use the Clues: Keep guessing, using the feedback to get closer to the number. Your previous guesses are shown to help you remember!
5. Get a Hint: If you need extra help, click the “Get a Hint” button for a clue about the number’s properties.
6. Guess the Number: Keep going until you guess the secret number and win the game!

Learning Objectives & Curriculum Links

Guess My Number is a powerful tool for developing mathematical reasoning and supports a wide range of curriculum objectives across KS1 and KS2.

• Target Age Group: This game is highly adaptable and beneficial for children from Year 1 right up to Year 6 (ages 5-11). Younger children will enjoy the simple “higher or lower” aspect, while older children can be encouraged to use more strategic thinking and apply their knowledge of number properties.
• Key Maths Focus:
  • Comparing Numbers: The core “higher or lower” feedback loop directly supports the curriculum aim to “compare and order numbers” and use the language of “greater than” and “less than.”
  • Number Properties: The hint system introduces and reinforces key concepts such as odd and even numbers and multiples of 5 and 10.
  • Logical Reasoning: This is the most important skill this game develops. Children learn to use a process of elimination and logical deduction to find the answer efficiently, rather than just guessing randomly. This is a foundational skill for all of mathematics and science.
  • Place Value: As children narrow down the range (e.g., between 40 and 60), they are strengthening their mental number line and their understanding of the number system.

Tips for Teachers and Parents

This interactive number puzzle is a fantastic resource that can be used in many different ways.

• For Teachers: Use Guess My Number on your interactive whiteboard as a brilliant whole-class starter or “5-minute filler.” It’s a great way to get the entire class engaged in a logical thinking puzzle. You can have students take turns making a guess and explaining their reasoning.
• For Parents: This game is a fun way to challenge your child’s thinking skills at home. You can play alongside them and talk through the strategy. Ask questions like, “The computer said higher than 25 but lower than 50. What number could you try next that’s right in the middle?” This helps them develop more efficient strategies for problem-solving.

We hope you have fun cracking the code! Make sure to check out our other free maths games for primary-aged children.