Summer Reading Book Review: “Math Games with Bad Drawings” by Ben Orlin

Summer carries with it the hope of rest and relaxation. An enjoyable read can make a good day great.

This summer, we’re reading about computational joy. Whether exploring the beauty of numbers or contemplating codes and ciphers, these books illuminate just how fun computation can be.

Our last book of the summer, Math Games with Bad Drawings: 75¼ Simple, Challenging, Go-Anywhere Games — And Why They Matter, shows how math is inherently playful.

Overview

Ben Orlin makes several claims in his book’s title: that there will be math, that there will be games and that there will be bad drawings. For the most part, he succeeds. This thick volume is chock-full of both mathematics and games, although the badness of the drawings is arguable.

Math Games with Bad Drawings: 75¼ Simple, Challenging, Go-Anywhere Games — And Why They Matter starts with an introduction to explain the constraints of what can be considered a game, as well as how the book is laid out. The book has five main sections, each classified with an “element of whimsy” to encompass different areas of mathematics. Included sections are “Spatial Games,” “Number Games,” “Combination Games,” “Games of Risk and Reward” and “Information Games.”

Within each section are five games that highlight ways to consider the mathematical qualities of that section. The games each have their own mechanics and requirements, from differing numbers of players to game pieces. After explaining how to play a game, Orlin dives into special qualities of the game in a “Tasting Notes” section, followed by a history of the game as well as his thoughts on “Why It Matters” — yet another promise fulfilled in his maximalist book title.

The book continues in this vein for 368 total pages, with Orlin diving into how gameplay reinforces — or challenges — mathematical ideas. These explanations are accompanied by stick figure drawings and math-y doodles. The stick figures crack jokes that complement Orlin’s humorous writing style. At the end, Orlin shares tables of games, a bibliography-as-FAQ and an index.

A Closer Look

Math Games with Bad Drawings has five sections, each with five games. So where do the titular 75¼ games come from? No worries, your math isn’t off; Orlin showcases more games than just the featured ones. Oftentimes, there are variations that can be played.

The introduction does a good job of providing the reader with expectations for the book. The writing is both helpful and irreverent. For example, in showing which games were rejected for being too simple, Orlin offers not just Tic-Tac-Toe but also Tack-Toe, wherein two stick figures consider the rules: “Punctured foot wins?” “OH NO [sic].”

For all the silliness, there is solid information in this book. The span of topics is wide, covering number sense, networks, probability and more. Furthermore, Orlin’s mini-essays explore the ways in which math connects to the world beyond theory, often on a grand scale. The game “Paper Boxing” sounds small, but under “Why It Matters,” Orlin offers a big reason: “Because it’s threatening US democracy.”

Even readers who don’t see themselves as math people will enjoy the book’s fun tone and clear explanations. Due to the sheer numbers of math concepts represented, there’s likely a branch of mathematics to suit all readers in the book. In particular, the “Information Games” section offers computational thinking games that feel fresh.

If there is one wish for this book, it would be to see more single-player games. Many of the games are for two players, with some games allowing for up to six players. While this is fantastic for groups of students, it’s a bit sad for the reader, who might like to play a game or two on their own!

Takeaways

Math Games with Bad Drawings exemplifies computational joy. In showing readers how they too can play with mathematical ideas, Orlin shares his love of mathematics. The inherent playfulness of the book makes it easy to engage with the text, even if the complexity of the math can feel a bit scary.

For teachers, this book offers a treasure-trove of ideas on how to gamify math lessons. Many of these games are great for the classroom. In fact, Orlin remarks on this at points in the text. In the game “33 to 99,” there’s a poignant “Why It Matters” section where Orlin says the game is important “[b]ecause when math opens the door a little wider, you never know who will enter and thrive.”

This book feels designed for the math-curious. Mathematicians may argue that math is playful by default, but it can be hard to see that playfulness. With Math Games with Bad Drawings, Orlin gives readers a chance to experience math in a new way. It’s playful problem solving, creative computation, exciting enumeration. Math can be fun!

If you’ve read this book, what did you think of it? Share your thoughts below.

About the blogger:

Jesika Brooks

Jesika Brooks is an editor and bookworm with a Master of Library and Information Science degree. A lifelong learner herself, she has always been fascinated by the intersection of education and technology. She edits the Tech-Based Teaching blog (and always wants to hear from new voices!)