Math tug of war online lets up to 16 people join the same match from their own phones, tablets or computers. One person creates a room and shares a room ID, link or QR code. Everyone picks Red or Blue, and every player's correct answers pull the same rope. It is free, and players only need a nickname.
How do you start a room?
Enter a nickname and choose Create a room.
Share the four-character room ID, the invite link or the QR code.
Each player joins and picks Red or Blue. Each team needs at least one player.
The host chooses the topic, level and match length, then presses Start match.
Friends in the same place can scan the QR code from the host's screen. For people elsewhere, the invite link is quickest, because it opens the join screen with the room already filled in.
How does an online match work?
Every player gets their own questions and four answers. A correct answer pulls the rope one step toward that player's team, and every third correct answer in a row pulls two. Streaks belong to each player, so a teammate's mistake does not break yours. A wrong answer locks only the player who made it, for one second. After the match everyone sees how many answers each player got right and wrong, and the host can start a rematch or go back to the lobby.
How far ahead does a team need to be?
Bigger teams pull faster, so the winning lead grows with team size. The target is 5 steps, plus 2 more for each extra player on the larger team. If the clock ends first, the team ahead wins.
Players on the larger team | Lead needed to win |
|---|---|
1 | 5 steps |
2 | 7 steps |
4 | 11 steps |
8 | 19 steps |
Keep teams even where you can. Pulls add up across a team, so four players against three is a real advantage, and the larger team's size sets the target for both sides.
Hosting tips
Choose a level everyone can manage. The room has one level, so aim for the middle of the group. For very mixed ability, use one screen with separate levels instead.
Use 2 or 3 minutes for big groups, so the longer lead has time to build.
Balance the teams by confidence as well as number, and rotate them between rounds.
Use the host's Remove button if someone joins who should not be there.
Using rooms with a class
If each student has a device, show the QR code on the board so everyone can join quickly. Everybody answers at once, which solves the usual problem of two players at the board while the rest watch. Assign made-up nicknames in advance, and split the class into two rooms if you have more than 16. With only one shared screen, use the smartboard class match or a class tournament.
If something goes wrong
Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
The button says Each team needs a player | Get at least one player onto Red and one onto Blue |
The room will not open | It may have ended. Rooms close 30 minutes after the last activity, and after 6 hours at the latest, so create a new one |
Someone cannot get in | A room holds 16 players, so check it is not full |
A player's page reloaded | Stay in the same tab, which can reconnect while the room is open |
Is there a tug of war mathematics app or download?
No. Maths Tug of War has no app or APK to install. It runs in the web browser on phones, tablets and computers, so there is nothing to download.
Rooms and safety
Players do not need an account, and there is no chat. Use a nickname and never a real name, especially for children. Share a room only with people you know, because anyone with the code or link can join until the room is full.
Frequently asked questions
How many people can join an online room?
A room holds up to 16 players.
Do players need an account?
No. Each player only enters a nickname.
How long does a room stay open?
A room ends 30 minutes after its last activity, and after 6 hours at the latest.