Quick answer

Sum Swamp is a simple addition and subtraction board game for preschoolers. Players roll two dice, add or subtract the numbers, and move their token along a swamp path. The first to reach the finish wins.

Why Sum Swamp works for early math learners

Sum Swamp is designed for children ages 5 and up who are just starting to add and subtract. The game uses two dice: one numbered 1–6 and the other with plus and minus signs. This keeps the math simple and repetitive, which helps reinforce basic facts. A common concern is that kids might get frustrated if they cannot subtract a larger number from a smaller one. The game avoids this by using only single-digit results, so every subtraction yields a positive number or zero.

What you need to play

The box includes a game board, 4 frog tokens, 2 dice (one number die and one operation die), and a set of instructions. You do not need any extra materials. The game takes about 15–20 minutes for 2–4 players.

How to play Sum Swamp step by step

  1. Set up the board and tokens: Place the game board in the center. Each player chooses a frog token and places it on the START space. Shuffle any instruction cards (if included in your edition) and place them face-down. Make sure all tokens are on START before rolling.
  2. Roll both dice to determine your move: On your turn, roll the number die and the operation die together. The number die shows a digit (1–6). The operation die shows either a plus (+) or minus (-) sign. Add or subtract the number from your current position. For example, if you are on space 3 and roll +5, move to space 8. If you roll -4, move back to space 1 (but not below START). A common mistake is forgetting to apply the operation to your current position. Always start from the space your token occupies.
  3. Land on special spaces: Some spaces on the board have special instructions. A space marked with a plus sign may let you roll again. A space with a minus sign may send you back a set number of spaces. Follow the board's printed instructions when you land on these spaces. If your edition has no special spaces, ignore this step and just move according to the dice.
  4. Win by reaching the FINISH space: The first player to land exactly on the FINISH space wins. If your roll would take you past FINISH, you do not move. Instead, you stay on your current space and try again on your next turn. Many kids try to overshoot FINISH. Remind them that they must land exactly on FINISH to win.

  • Princess Snakes and Ladders Game: Princess Snakes and Ladders is a Noggin Playground basic counting game for preschool kids. The king of Neverland has been captured and locked in a tower. Now it's up to the Princesses of his realm to rescue him. If your child enjoys Sum Swamp, this counting game offers a similar early math experience with a fairy-tale theme that may keep them engaged.

    Princess Snakes and Ladders Game

    Princess Snakes and Ladders Game