Tapatan

This is a game for two that is both simple and complex. It challenges the players to think spatially, consider the perspective of the other player, and use logic. The object of the game is to get three in a row. 

To play, each player takes 3 markers of the same color. In the photo on the right, one player has 3 blue markers and the other player has 3 red markers.

Players decide who goes first.

Players take turn placing one of their markers on an empty blue circle or dot on the board.  

Once all 6 markers are placed on the board, players take turns sliding one of their markers along any line to a neighboring circle. Players must move a marker on their turn.

Markers cannot pass a circle/dot on the way to another circle/dot. Markers cannot jump over another marker, and 2 markers cannot be on the same circle/dot.

Players continue taking turns until one player gets three markers in a straight line. This player is the winner.

Keeping score in this game is a good time to introduce tallies, and then counting by fives. 

It is easy to make this game without downloading and printing it out. Simply draw the board on a piece of paper and use 3 pennies and 3 nickels as markers. 

Here is the link to download and print the game: https://regentsctr.uni.edu/ceestem/games/tapatan-1st-grade