This fun numeracy game is called IB (because it is half of CRIB!) and basically
that is exactly what it is i.e. the traditional card game of CRIBBAGE with
the 'pegging' element omitted in order to speed up the game. A recent report
has suggested that games like this can have a significant positive effect
on children's ability and confidence in manipulating numbers.
- IB is played with a full pack of standard playing cards and a score
board that shows 60 points (1 circuit of a standard cribbage board).
- Players play 2 v 2 so they have to collaborate and discuss which 2 cards
to discard into the crib (or box as it is more usually called).
- 6 cards are dealt to each player and 4 cards are retained for
scoring purposes. These 4 cards are combined with the "turn up" card
and the calculating is done as in the full game of cribbage (If you
are new to cribbage there are websites that detail the combinations of
cards that score points or someone in the school will know an old geezer
like myself who can explain/demonstrate).
- The teams alternate possession of the "Box" cards which are
also combined with the "turn up" card.
- As soon as the hands are sorted they cards are put down and points
calculated (no "pegging" in order to speed up the game) First to 60 points
wins. Skills involved are addition, multiplication.