Four in a Row


Materials:
Cartesian Coordinate Grids.   Pencils

Procedures:
Players alternate putting X and O at the intersection points by giving the coordinates of the point they choose to use.   The winner is the first player to place four of her marks in a row along (a) a vertical line, (b) a horizontal line, or (c) a slanted line.

The player must announce the coordinates of the point she desires to use and then place her mark.   She must use the first numbers she announces -- no changing.

Note:
Keep a ruler handy to settle arguments (Slope should help determine if the points lie on a line).   Students generally play vertically or horizontally at the beginning but soon discover other segments.   This is a good activity for review of point plotting and as an introduction to slope.

This game can be introduced to a class by dividing the class into two teams.   Members of each team alternate giving coordiantes.   Do not attempt to teach the strategy of the game.   Students will discover this quickly.


Send any comments or questions to: David Pleacher