Fostering creative and critical thinking through math games: A case study of Bachet’s game

Students often perceive mathematics as a challenging and abstract subject, leading to disengagement and anxiety. To address these challenges, educators have increasingly turned to math games as a pedagogical tool to make learning more interactive and enjoyable. This paper explores the potential of math games, particularly Bachet’s game, as catalysts for both creative and critical thinking among pre-service teachers (PSTs). By analyzing several adaptations and variations of Bachet’s game created by PSTs, the study demonstrates how these games can foster creative problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and collaborative learning. The findings suggest that when PSTs are encouraged to modify game rules and environments, they engage in deeper mathematical inquiry and develop flexible, innovative approaches to problem-solving. The paper concludes with a discussion on the benefits, challenges, and pedagogical implications of integrating math games into the curriculum to enhance creativity and critical thinking in mathematics education.