Get ready for a fast-paced maths showdown with Rat Trap Addition to 20! This two-player game is designed to help students practise their addition skills in a fun and competitive format. With colourful game boards and simple rules, it's the perfect way to build fluency with number facts to 20 in an engaging and hands-on way.

Each player takes turns rolling two 10-sided dice and adding the numbers together. The goal? Cover all the numbers on your side of the board to trap the rat! The game encourages quick mental addition and strategic thinking as students race to block in their rat before their opponent does.

This game is suitable for maths rotations, early finishers, intervention groups, or as a simple yet effective partner activity. A bonus variation is also included, letting students ‘steal’ counters from their opponent, adding an extra level of strategy and excitement. It’s a resource your students will ask to play again and again!

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Practise addition facts to 20
• ✅ Improve speed and fluency in mental calculation
• ✅ Encourage turn-taking and cooperative gameplay
• ✅ Apply strategies for problem-solving and critical thinking
• ✅ Reinforce number recognition and addition using dice

What’s Included:

• 1 full-colour Rat Trap Addition game board
• 1 low-colour version for ink-friendly printing
• Clear instructions for both standard and bonus gameplay versions
• Suggestions for classroom use and differentiation

Materials Needed:

• Printed Rat Trap Addition game boards (cardstock or paper in write-and-wipe sleeves)
• 2 ten-sided dice per pair of students
• Counters in two different colours (enough for both players)
• Optional: zip-lock bags or tubs for storing game pieces

How to Use:

1. Each player chooses a colour and sits on opposite sides of the game board.
2. Player One rolls two 10-sided dice and adds the numbers together.
3. They place a counter on the matching sum on their side of the board.
4. Player Two repeats the process, taking turns until one player has covered all numbers around their rat.
5. In the bonus version, players can ‘steal’ an opponent’s counter if their sum has already been covered on their own side.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use during maths rotations as a quick and effective fluency game
• 💡 Include in a fast-finisher tub with dice and counters for independent play
• 💡 Encourage students to record their sums on a whiteboard as they play for extra practise
• 💡 Play teacher vs. class for a fun mental maths warm-up
• 💡 Have students track how many rolls it takes to trap the rat and try to beat their score

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Print the game on coloured card and laminate for long-lasting use
• 💛 Store dice and counters in labelled containers for quick setup
• 💛 Use different coloured counters or small objects (e.g., mini erasers) for added fun
• 💛 Encourage strategic thinking by discussing when to steal or stick during the bonus gameplay

Rat Trap Addition to 20 is a fantastic way to turn addition practise into an exciting classroom game. With multiple versions and endless replayability, this resource adds a competitive edge to mastering number facts in a playful, collaborative way.