Operation Salamander - Game Instructions - Score & Number Grid (Up to 25)

Oct 22, 2026

Uploaded by Eliana

Operation Salamander is a competitive number game using addition, subtraction, multiplication and division to produce target numbers up to 25 from three dice. Players cover the grid squares by forming an uncovered number with the dice digits using +, -, x, and ÷, then add the corresponding points to their score. Play ends when the board is fully covered or a player runs out of eight counters; the highest score wins. Includes an example and multiple rule variations for scoring and skill focus.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Setup

Materials

Gameplay

Turn structure

Forming numbers

Scoring and winning

Example

Variations

Easier rules

First to target score

Two counters per grid number

Subtraction-focused mode

Point values

Operation Salamander is a number game which involves using addition, subtraction and multiplication to make numbers up to 25. It is also a scoring game, with more points being given for making the larger numbers! Age range: 2nd Grade+ Number of players: 1-4 Learning: - Add, subtract, multiply and divide numbers - Adding up multiples of 10 for scoring You will need - Each player needs a set of 8 counters of their own color. - 3 Dice - A piece of paper and pencil to score with. Instructions - Each player starts with a score of zero on their sheet. - Take turns to throw the dice. - Use the numbers on the dice and your +, -, x and ÷ skills to make one of the uncovered numbers on the grid. The digits cannot be put together and must all be used separately. - Cover the square up with one of your counters. Add the score on to you current score. - If you can’t make any number on one of the uncovered squares, you give the dice to the next player. - The game finishes either when the board is totally covered up, or when one player uses up all their 8 counters. The winner is the player with the highest score. Example: If you roll a 3, 4, and a 5 you could cover up: 12 (3 + 4 + 5), 7 (3 x 4-5), 23 (5 x 4 + 3), etc. Variations (if you feel like changing the rules!) - Easier Game: allow numbers to be put together (e.g. with a roll of 2, 3 and 4, you could make 21 by doing 24-3) . - The winner is the first player to reach a given score e.g. 300 points. - Allow two counters to be placed on each of the numbers on the grid instead of just one. - If you wish to develop subtraction skills, start each player with 300 points. Subtract the amount you place your counter on. The winner is the first player to get to zero (or below) . - If you are playing this game on your own, see how many points you can score in 10 minutes, or see how long it takes you to score 300 points! | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 10 points 20 points 30 points 50 points 100 points

FAQs

How do players use the dice to cover a square on the grid?

On a turn, a player rolls the dice and uses the digits with +, -, x, and ÷ to make one of the uncovered grid numbers. The digits must be used separately (not concatenated), and all digits must be used.

When does the game end and how is the winner determined?

The game ends when the board is completely covered or when a player uses all eight counters. The winner is the player with the highest total score.

What happens if a player cannot make a number for an uncovered square?

If a player cannot form any number corresponding to an uncovered grid square, they give the dice to the next player.

Oct 22, 2026

Uploaded by Eliana