How do you play?
- Look at the target number above the board.
- Type any six character sum that equals it, like 20+7*3 for 41.
- Press Enter. Tiles turn green, yellow or grey to show how close your sum is to the hidden one.
- Find the hidden sum within six guesses.
Every guess must equal the target. If you use the same numbers and signs as the hidden sum in a different order, like 3*7+20 for 20+7*3, the game counts it as solved.
How is this different from the equation game?
In the equation game you have to find the whole equation, answer included. Here you already know the answer, so every guess has to hit it. That means fewer possible guesses, but each one has to be worked out with care.
How do you find the sum faster?
- Think about size. A big target likely needs times. A small one may use minus or divide.
- Try different digits. Your first guess should test as many different digits as you can while still hitting the target.
- Pin the signs. Once you know which signs are in, list the sums that fit. There are usually only a few.
- Remember the order of operations. Times and divide come before plus and minus.
Is it good for kids?
Yes. It turns times tables and mental math into a puzzle. Children who know their basic sums can play, and the colors give them a reason to try again.
At a glance
| Tiles per guess | 6 |
| Guesses | 6 |
| Answers in our pool | 4,000 expressions |
| Daily puzzle | Yes, new at midnight UTC, plus Unlimited |
| Cost | Free, no account |
What do the answers usually look like?
We checked all 4,000 answers in our pool. The digits that show up in the most answers are 2 (42%), 5 (41%), 7 (41%), 6 (40%), 4 (40%). Plus signs appear in 65% of answers, minus in 35%, times in 18% and divide in 6%. 70% use a digit or sign more than once.
A few answers from the pool, to show the style: 1+12×3, 31×5+3, 531+95, 75+543.