Maths tug of war, also called math tug of war or tug of war mathematics, is a game for two players or teams of any age. Both sides answer questions at the same time, and every right answer pulls a rope toward that side. You can play this tug of war math game online here for free, with no sign-up or download.
A right answer pulls one step, and every third in a row pulls two. A wrong answer locks your side for one second. Get five steps ahead to win, or lead when time runs out. Tap the right answer, or use Q W E R and U I O P on a keyboard. Name your teams in the settings if you like.
Every game's settings include 18 topics and six levels, from small sums up to algebra, percentages, order of operations, and squares and square roots, so it can challenge beginners, students and adults alike.
Which settings suit which player?
Teens and adults can jump straight to the Expert and Master levels, or to topics like algebra and percentages.
Using it in the classroom
The game works best for facts students have already been taught. Keep matches to 60 or 90 seconds, swap the players at the board often, and finish by talking through the questions each team missed. Students do not need accounts.
Does it help you learn?
A speed game builds quick recall. A 2025 research review of children's arithmetic recommends brief timed practice only once answers are accurate, followed by discussion. It does not teach a new idea, and being timed can make some people anxious. We have found no controlled study of online tug of war games themselves.
No screen available?
You can play with paper, two dice and a counter.
Questions
Is maths tug of war free?
Yes. You can play straight away, with no sign-up or download.
Who is it for?
Everyone. Levels run from small sums to harder topics such as algebra and percentages, so friends, families, students and adults can all play.
Can I play alone?
Yes. Choose the robot, and set its speed in the settings.
Can we play on different devices?
Yes. Create an online room and share its room ID, link or QR code. A room holds up to 16 players, who use nicknames.
Can teams have different difficulty?
Yes. On one screen, each team can have its own level, so players of different abilities can have a close match.
Can we name our teams?
Yes, in the settings. Without names, teams are called Red Team and Blue Team. Please avoid real names.
Does it work on an interactive whiteboard?
Yes, if the board accepts two touches at once. Otherwise, connect a keyboard so each team can use its own keys.
Where are my coins and stats saved?
Only in this browser on this device. They are not sent to us, and clearing your browser data removes them.
