It’s fine to work on any problem, so long as it generates interesting mathematics along the way - even if you don’t solve it at the end of the day. - Andrew Wiles
These are very simple to understand but difficult to solve puzzles. Great practice for geometric reasoning and arithmetic.
My most recent obsession! Match "adjacent" numbers that are the same or add to 10. The catch is that as they are found, you can pass through those cells or wrap around the side.
With this classic game, it is all about the quality of the app. I love the auto-pencil and auto-singles settings, and the Hints help you improve your game!
I remember this from childhood, usually plastic squares on the table of a diner or something. I have not found a great app, so please send any recs!
The variations on this game make it a go-to place for endless fun. Choose whether you use sums or products, and if you change the size, all the patterns are slightly different.
A twist on the classic Towers of Hanoi problem, this simple game requires anticipating future moves.
This is an underrated game that I wish more people played. If you have never played (or not in a while), give it another try!
This is one of my favorite games, which can be played solo, competitively, or collaboratively. Highly recommended.
Easy to play anywhere with a pencil and paper, this simple game is the subject of some sophisticated analysis (see the Amazon link!).
This is a very addictive game, and it is so easy to think you have a good strategy. Don't stop at 2048, keep going to 4096 and beyond!
A twist on the game Tetris, there is no timer to stress you out, but the challenge is just as meaningful. Keeping space for the next tile is easier said than done!