Smartboard Setup for Maths Tug of War: A Teacher's Checklist
- 1. TouchscreenChecking
Looking for a touchscreen on this device.
- 2. Two touches togetherNot tested
Two people tap or hold one colour each at the same moment.
- 3. Keyboard backupNot tested
Press Q for the red team and P for the blue team on a connected keyboard.
QP - 4. Full screenNot tested
Check the browser can fill the board.
- 5. SoundNot tested
Play a short tone, then confirm you heard it.
Run the checks above, then start a class match.
Open the smartboard gameTo set up tug of war mathematics on a smartboard, open this page in the board's web browser and run the checks above. The two-touch check matters most. Here is what each result means and what to do next.
Result | What to do |
|---|---|
Both touches register | You are ready. Open the smartboard game |
Only one touch registers | Connect a keyboard: Q W E R for the left team, U I O P for the right |
Touch does nothing | Check the board's touch cable or calibration, then try a connected laptop |
The page looks wrong | Update the browser, or run it from a laptop connected to the board |
The site is blocked | Ask whoever manages your school filter to allow mathstugofwar.com |
These steps apply to Promethean, SMART, ViewSonic, BenQ and other interactive boards. We have not tested every model, so always try yours first.
How do you test multi-touch?
Ask two adults to press one colour each at the same moment. If only one touch registers, your board may be set to single touch, or it may not support several touches in the browser. A mouse cannot prove this, so test with fingers on the board.
What if touch is limited?
Besides a keyboard, you can have teams take turns, or let one player tap for both teams while teams call out answers. With devices for everyone, an online room removes the problem.
Getting players comfortable
Have players stand at their own side and tap with a flat finger. Long nails or a resting hand can cause extra touches on some boards. Remind others not to lean on the board, leave space for two players, and plan how they will swap quickly. Sound is off by default.
Using the board well
When the checks pass, run a full-screen class match with a running score, and bring up the most-missed questions for discussion afterwards. For several teams, use the class competition plan.
A ten-minute check before the lesson
| Minutes before | Do this |
|---|---|
| 10 | Open this page in the board's browser and confirm the site is not blocked |
| 8 | Run the two-touch check with a colleague |
| 5 | Open the game, choose your topic and start one test match |
| 3 | Check that buttons at both sides are within reach of the players |
| 1 | Connect a keyboard as a backup and leave it within reach |
Which backup should you use?
| Your situation | Best backup |
|---|---|
| Board accepts one touch only | USB or wireless keyboard, one team per key group |
| No keyboard available | One player taps while teams call answers |
| Students have tablets | Online room, with the QR code on the board |
| No internet or screen | Printable or dice versions |
Why a mouse test can mislead you
A mouse is a single pointer, so a board can look fine when tested with a laptop and still fail with two players. Equally, a board that handles two touches in its drawing software may behave differently in a browser. That is why the check on this page runs in the same browser you will use for the game.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my board accepts two touches?
Use the checker on this page. Two people press one colour each at the same moment, and the check confirms whether both touches registered.
What if my board only accepts one touch?
Connect a keyboard. The left team uses Q W E R and the right team uses U I O P.
Can I test two touches with a mouse?
No. A mouse can only press one side at a time, so run the check with fingers on the board itself.