Tens Math Board Game

A modern take on the classic “Tens” math game, this 3D-printed version for hands-on learning. Designed for quick setup and repeated use, the model features clearly defined slots and pieces that make building combinations to ten easy and engaging. Useful for classrooms, Makerspaces, or at-home learning. Optimized for reliable printing with no supports. It allows mixing numbers and colors any which way you like.

You will need 1700 grams of Black PLA and 80 Grams of each of the six colors. Just over two full spools of filament. This is a reboot for 3d printing of the awesome Tens board game popular in the 1970's. We play this all the time from the original game at the grandparents house. 

Print all the pieces in six different colors.
#5 get's printed 6 times for each color,
#0 gets printed twice for each color.
All the other numbers from 1-10 get printed three times for each for all six colors.

Print a base for each set of 3 tiles.

I am in the process of getting the original groupings and will post them.

You can mix and match as you will. I do have the set up that we use which allows for good games but no stale mates. 

Take a tile and glue it to the base with a few drops of super glue. I will be post a tighter version that may allow to snap if requested enough. I made the original slightly loose to allow for all machines to be able to print with default profile settings in PLA.

TENS – Board Game Rules (3D Printed Version)

Overview

Tens is a simple math strategy game where players take turns placing triangles matching one side to create combinations that add up to exactly 10. The goal is to use your pieces efficiently while blocking your opponent and controlling the board.

Players

• 2 players (recommended)

• Can be adapted for more players with additional pieces

Components

• Number triangles/tiles to start is seven.

• Take all triangles and flip them over so you cannot see the numbers then pick 7 to start.

• Each player should have an equal set of tiles

Objective

Create valid combinations of numbers that add up to 10 while placing one triangle per play.
The player who uses all there triangles wins.

Setup

1. Place the triangles face down and shuffle.

2. Each player picks 7 triangles.

3. Each player keeps their triangles hidden or face up it's up to you.

4. Choose a starting player.

How to Play

Turn Structure

Pick a tile to place face up in center.

On your turn:

1. Place one tile onto the board.

2. Tiles must form a valid group that adds up to 10.

3. Groups can be:

   • A single combination (e.g., 6 + 4)

   • Multiple tiles (e.g., 2 + 3 + 5)

4. Tiles must:

   • Fit within the board layout

   • Connect to existing tiles.

   • If you have no move you pick another tile from the face down pile.

   • Player first to play all their tiles wins.

Valid Combinations (Examples)

• 9 + 1

• 8 + 2

• 7 + 3

• 6 + 4

• 5 + 5

• 0 + 10

Any grouping that totals exactly 10 is valid.

Building Off Existing Tiles

• New tiles must connect to tiles already on the board.

• Any new connected group formed must also total 10.

Winning the Game

The game ends when:

• A player runs out of tiles, OR

• No valid moves remain

Winner

• Player who placed all their tiles first

Optional Variation

Add a time limit per turn to increase difficulty.

Quick Summary

• Place tiles

• Make 10

• Build off others

• Use all your pieces to win