Countdown Letters and Numbers Games

One for the fans of the TV programme Countdown (adults you can join in too). You can play for fun or for points. For more rules, please click the ‘More Rules’ tab on the website: http://keystage2literacy.co.uk/countdown-letters-game.html

The Numbers game involves choosing a random combination of big and small numbers (six in total) to generate a target number. You then have 30 seconds, if you choose to play against the timer, to try and get as close as possible to this number using the four operations (adding, multiplying, dividing and subtracting). You don’t have to use all the numbers; however, you can only use them once.

You have 2 options with the Letters game. Option one involves making the longest word you can using the random vowels and consonants that the computer generates within a 30 seconds time limit. A tip here is not to overdo the vowels. The second option – the Conundrum- involves rejigging the mixed-up letters around to make an actual 9-letter word.