Game Teachers' Notes Hint

# Strike it Out

This is a game for two players.

Start by drawing a number line from $0$ to $20$ like this:
The first player chooses a number on the line and crosses it out.
The same player then chooses a second number and crosses that out too.
Finally, he or she circles the sum or difference of the two numbers and writes down the calculation.
For example, the first player's go could look like this:
The second player must start by crossing off the number that player $1$ has just circled.
He or she then chooses another number to cross out and then circles a third number which is the sum or difference of the two crossed-off numbers.
Player $2$ also writes down their calculation.
For example, once the second player has had a turn, the game could look like this:
Play continues in this way with each player starting with the number that has just been circled.
For example, player one could then have a turn which left the game looking like this:
The winner of the game is the player who stops their opponent from being able to go.
This PowerPoint presentation also demonstrates how to play the game. You may like to click through it.
Now it's your turn!
Try playing the game a few times to get a feel for it.
What is your strategy for winning?

Click here for a poster of this problem.