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Learn GoSum

How to Play

Build number equations, connect them crossword-style and make every tile count. The aim is simple: finish with the highest score.

2–4players
6 + 2starting tiles
1equals sign per sum

The aim

Make sums. Make them connect. Score more.

GoSum uses number and symbol tiles to create mathematical equations on a shared board. New sums interlock with what is already in play, just like words in a crossword. Players take turns clockwise, and the player with the highest final score wins.

Your tiles

Start with eight tiles

At the start, each player has six number tiles and two symbol tiles. Number tiles carry their own score value; symbols do not score.

85 43 21 64 33 96 + −

An example rack. The available operators depend on the starting level. The equals sign is a space on the board, not a tile in your rack.

★
Blank tiles are wild numbers. A blank can stand for any digit from 0 to 9, but never an operator. It scores zero points, and once its number has been chosen it cannot be changed later.

Taking a turn

Build a valid GoSum

1

Choose your tiles

Place new tiles in one horizontal or vertical line. You can reuse tiles already committed to the board.

2

Use an equals sign

Every GoSum must have one equals sign, with an expression on one side and its answer on the other.

3

Connect to the board

After the opening move, build from the numbers and sums already in play.

4

Score the move

Add the score values of the number tiles in the completed sum, then apply any bonuses.

First move: the opening GoSum is placed horizontally or vertically across the green centre START / equals square.

What counts?

Valid and invalid GoSums

A GoSum must be a complete, correctly resolved equation. You can place the answer on either side of the equals sign.

✓ Correct
8 = 2 × 4
✓ Correct
2 × 4 = 8
✓ Correct
10 − 4 + 2 = 8
✓ Correct
102 − 8 = 94
✕ Incorrect
02 × 4 = 8

No leading zero.

✕ Incorrect
2 × 8 = 4 × 4

A GoSum must resolve to an answer.

✕ Incorrect
4 + 2 = 6 = 2 × 3

Only one equals sign.

Calculate from left to right. GoSum’s current rules evaluate operations in sequence. For example, 2 + 3 × 4 = 20: add 2 and 3 first, then multiply by 4. The current game does not use BODMAS.
You can extend an existing GoSum. For example, 2 + 6 = 8 can become 82 + 6 = 88 by adding an 8 to each side. If you change an existing number or sum, its answer must change too.

Tiles cannot sit directly next to one another unless they form part of the same valid GoSum.

Boost your score

Bonus squares

Land a number tile on a bonus square to increase the value of the tile or the whole GoSum. Tile bonuses apply to newly placed tiles; committed tiles keep their base points when reused.

DN

Double Number

Doubles the score value of the number tile covering it.

TN

Triple Number

Triples the score value of the number tile covering it.

DS

Double Sum

Add the number-tile values in the GoSum, then double the total.

TS

Triple Sum

Add the number-tile values in the GoSum, then triple the total.

Whole-sum multipliers do not stack: use triple if TS applies, otherwise double if DS applies. The eight-tile bonus is added afterwards.

+50 pointsPlay all eight of your tiles in a single turn and earn a 50-point bonus.

Your options

Pass or swap tiles

Pass

Recall any unplayed tiles first. With no pending tiles on the board, choose Pass to take a zero-point turn and hand over to the next player.

Exchange tiles

With no pending tiles on the board, you can exchange some or all of your rack when enough replacement tiles remain in the relevant pools. Exchanged tiles go back into their correct pools, and your turn ends.

Finishing the game

Highest score wins

When the game ends, the final totals determine the winner. Unplayed number tiles reduce your score, so keep their points values in mind as you plan your last moves.

🏆
Final scoring

Deduct the score value of any number tiles you still hold from your total. The player with the highest score after those deductions is the winner.

That’s it

Think numbers. Spot connections. Go for the big score.

The best GoSum is not always the first one you see. Look for ways to extend the board, use your high-value tiles well and make those bonus squares work for you.

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