Mental math skill is an asset, but it can be intimidating to those who feel inadequate in their math abilities. Krypto is a great game for working on these skills, challenging to students, teachers, and parents alike. The good news is that Krypto can be adapted for those who aren’t ready for huge complications in their math days. You can definitely work your way up to the more challenging versions.
The card game is designed to use whole numbers 1 through 25. The deck is composed of 56 cards as follows:
3 each of cards 1-6
4 each of cards 7-10
2 each of cards 11-17
1 each of cards 18-25
As the game is designed, a round is played with a set of 6 cards dealt face up. The first five must be used in a math problem exactly one time each to produce the number on the 6th card, called the “Objective Card”. I call it the “Target” in my classroom when I conduct Krypto activities.
All players work on the same set of cards, with the first to find a viable solution calling out, “Krypto!” The game requires a limited amount of time
How I Use Krypto in the Classroom
I manage the deck, shuffle, and deal. I write the action numbers on the board and identify the target number as well. I remind my students that they must use all of the action numbers exactly one time. They cannot omit any numbers. They frequently want to know if there is a solution. I participate along with them and will let them know if I find a solution. If I struggle for more than a couple of minutes, I will allow them to continue working but will deal out a new set of options to keep things moving.
Adapting for Varied Needs
To reduce frustrations for students who struggle in math, I reduce the number of action cards to 4, so we use the first 4 cards for computation and the 5th as the target. At times, I will pull out numbers greater than 20.
I have successfully played the game with middle school students using the full deck and 6 cards at a time. With students with learning disabilities in math at the high school level, I use 5 cards. With younger students, you can adapt by removing double digit cards or by using only 3 or 4 cards total. If you are using fewer cards, you can also focus on whether a viable solution is available.
The rules of the game don’t include fractions, radicals, or negatives. However, you could definitely create your own variations.
No Krypto Deck? No Worries!
You can assemble your own Krypto deck from miscellaneous cards from other decks. This is a great way to repurpose incomplete decks. When this game was first introduced to me in 1988, we used blank flashcards to make our own decks. Index cards are very affordable, another perfect way to put this game together on your own. Another option? Write the numbers on pieces of paper or cardstock, and put them in a hat – draw them out instead of dealing them.