Grand Total

Grand Total is "Mathematical Equation Scrabble." Players place number and symbol tiles in a line to form an equation, scoring points for the number they use. The board is large (18" square), colorful, and well-designed. It is ruled off in 1" squares, with numbers from 0 to 9 printed in about 10% of the squares. The tiles are cardboard counters of decent thickness - the numbers are red and the symbols (+, -, and =) yellow. Players mix up the tiles, then draw seven numbers and three signs. In turn, each player places tiles on the board to make a "legal" equation, using at least one tile already on the board, crossword-style. Typical Scrabble rules are used regarding challenges and redraws. Player score the sum of the numbers they used, disregarding the results of the equation they formed. If a tile is placed on a space bearing the same number, it's double score. A surprising rule is that a player may remove the equal sign from an equation on the board and replace it with a plus or minus if they can form a new equation that way. The removed "=" is reused further down the new equation. Game meant for 2nd/3rd Grade and up.