Pairs & Sums

Player Count

2 players

Objective

Score the most points by rolling pairs and correctly adding cards before your opponent catches a mistake.

Materials Needed

• Standard deck of playing cards (no jokers)
• One six-sided die
• Paper and pencil for scorekeeping

Setup

1. Shuffle the deck and place it face down in the center.
2. Decide who will roll the die first.
3. The other player begins as the Card Drawer.

How to Play

Step 1: Dice Roller’s Turn

• The Dice Roller rolls the die repeatedly until they roll a pair (two of the same number in a row, e.g., rolling “4” twice).
• While they are rolling, the Card Drawer is active.

Step 2: Card Drawer’s Turn

• The Card Drawer flips over two cards at a time.
• They must say out loud the sum of the two cards.
  • Example: If a 7♦ and 5♣ are drawn, the player must say “12.”
• Scoring:
  • +1 point for each correct answer.
  • If the Dice Roller hears a wrong answer and calls it out immediately, they gain 10 points.

Step 3: Switching Roles

• As soon as the Dice Roller rolls a pair, the roles switch:
  • The Dice Roller becomes the Card Drawer.
  • The Card Drawer becomes the Dice Roller.

Winning the Game

• Play until the deck runs out (or set a time/score limit, e.g., first to 50 points).
• The player with the most points at the end wins!

Variations (Optional)

• Speed Mode: Limit each turn to 30 seconds with a timer.
• Advanced Math Mode: Instead of addition, players must subtract, multiply, or divide the two cards.
• Double Trouble: Drawing face cards = automatic +5 bonus points if answered correctly.