As part of the Math4Sustainability project, NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam has developed a hands-on activity that connects mathematics with action, insight, and fun — while also laying the groundwork for engagement with sustainability. Winning with Dice introduces students to the power of logical reasoning and strategic thinking, all through the lens of a simple, compelling game. 

Activity Summary 

Winning with Dice is a two-player game using a stack of 21 dice. Players take turns removing 1, 2, or 3 dice from the pile. The objective? Avoid being the one to take the last die — because whoever does, loses. 

To introduce the game, play one round with a student and let them start. If the student ensures that the total number of dice taken in each full round (both players’ turns) adds up to exactly 4, they will always win. Why? Because after five rounds, 20 dice will have been removed — leaving just one for the opponent to pick up. 

After the game, discuss the outcome with the class. Students will discover that the key to winning lies in controlling the total number of dice taken per round. Once they have grasped the strategy, they can try it out on their own — perhaps even at home with their families. 

Educational Value 

By analyzing how many dice are taken each turn and identifying patterns, students learn to reason mathematically, think ahead, and apply a winning strategy. The activity also supports collaborative learning, careful observation, and drawing conclusions from experience. 

The game is based on a classic recreational math puzzle — exactly the kind of playful yet powerful learning experience that Math4Sustainability aims to promote. It turns abstract ideas into concrete practice and helps students build a positive relationship with mathematics. 

Tested and Approved 

This activity was piloted during Night at the Museum in early April — an annual evening event at NEMO where teachers visit after hours to gather ideas for STEM-activities in the classroom. Visitors to the museum, including many educators, played the game and responded with enthusiasm. Teachers especially appreciated the simplicity of the materials and immediacy of the concept — several even said they planned to use it in class the very next day. 

This activity was also piloted during the W4kangangoeroe SMART finales in NEMO in May. This is a math competition for 11-13 years old pupils in the Netherlands. During the breaks in the competition the Winning with Dice game was piloted alongside two additional activities; a model with 3 different shapes of manholes and a mathematical sequence. In the model of the manholes there are three forms; a round, a square and a triangle manhole, all three manholes have a corresponding cover. The students discovered what the advantage of a round manhole is versus the triangle and square ones. They were amazed that a round manhole cover can’t fall into to its manhole and e triangle and square can. With the mathematical sequence they practiced their logical and debating skills.