In the Countdown numbers game, a contestant chooses six number tiles from small numbers (1 to 10) and large numbers (25, 50, 75 and 100). A random target from 100 to 999 is set, and you have 30 seconds to reach it using addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, with each tile used no more than once.
Numbers game rules
- The tiles: 20 small numbers, two each of 1 to 10, and four large numbers: 25, 50, 75 and 100.
- The choice: the contestant asks for between none and four large numbers; the rest are small. Six tiles are drawn.
- The target: a random three-digit number from 100 to 999.
- The time: 30 seconds.
- The sums: add, subtract, multiply and divide. Every tile can be used once at most, and you do not have to use them all. Every step must give a positive whole number, so no fractions or negatives.
Scoring: 10 points for hitting the target exactly, 7 points for being 1 to 5 away, and 5 points for 6 to 10 away. Only the contestant who is closer scores; if both are equally close, both score.
Methods that work
1. Find the nearest multiple of a large number
Divide the target by a large number in your head and see how close a multiple gets. With 75 and a target of 452, 6 × 75 = 450 leaves just 2 to find.
2. Build a multiplier from small numbers
If the multiple you need is not a single tile, make it: 7 × 2 = 14, or 9 − 4 = 5. Small numbers are most useful when combined into the multiplier you need.
3. Overshoot, then subtract
It is often easier to go slightly over and come back. Aiming for 530 and subtracting 3 can be simpler than building 527 directly.
4. Keep a small number in reserve
A spare 1, 2 or 3 is perfect for fixing the last gap. Try not to use every small number on your first idea.
5. Get close first, then improve
With 30 seconds, write down a method within 10 as soon as you have it. Then try for a better one. Seven points on paper beats ten points in your head.
Worked examples
Tiles: 75 50 2 3 8 7 Target: 812
- 812 is 14 × 58, and both parts can be made.
- 50 + 8 = 58
- 7 × 2 = 14
- 58 × 14 = 812
The 75 and the 3 are not needed, which is allowed.
Tiles: 100 4 6 9 1 3 Target: 527
- 100 + 6 = 106
- 9 − 4 = 5
- 106 × 5 = 530 (overshoot by 3)
- 530 − 3 = 527
Enter any six numbers and a target in the Countdown solver and it shows the shortest exact method it can find, or the closest result if the target cannot be reached, with every step written out.
Sharpen your mental arithmetic
- Know the large-number multiples. Multiples of 25, 50, 75 and 100 up to ten times each come up constantly.
- Use near-multiples. 7 × 75 = 525 is a handy base for targets in the low 500s; 9 × 100 = 900 for the high 800s and 900s.
- Remember that 100 is not always best. With 100 and a target such as 693, 7 × 100 − 7 is a quick route if you have a 7 and can make another 7.
- Combine small numbers into big ones. 8 × 9 = 72, 6 × 10 = 60: two small numbers often make a better multiplier than one large one.
The letters game
In the letters round, a contestant picks nine letters, choosing vowel or consonant each time, with at least three vowels and at least four consonants. Both players then have 30 seconds to find the longest word. A word scores one point per letter, except a nine-letter word, which scores 18. As with the numbers game, only the longer valid word scores.
Letters game tips
- Look for endings first: -ING, -ED, -ER, -EST, -ION and plural -S.
- Add prefixes: RE-, UN-, DE-, IN- often lengthen a word you already have.
- Balance your picks: four vowels and five consonants, or three and six, gives the most long words.
- Write a safe word down: a six-letter word on paper is better than an unfinished eight.
Letters: R E A D I N G S T
Spot -ING and -S, and READ. READINGS is eight letters; with all nine there is GRADIENTS. Check these letters to see every long word they make.
The conundrum
Each game ends with the conundrum: a nine-letter anagram to solve against the clock, usually a single word, and the first correct answer scores 10 points. The anagram methods in our guide on how to solve anagrams are good practice.
How to practise
Use Pick random numbers and Pick random letters in the solver, give yourself 30 seconds, then compare your answer with the solver’s. A few rounds a day builds up the multiplication facts and word endings that make the difference.
Questions and answers
What numbers are in the Countdown numbers game?
There are 20 small numbers, two each of 1 to 10, and four large numbers: 25, 50, 75 and 100. Six tiles are drawn for each round.
How is the numbers game scored?
An exact answer scores 10 points, 1 to 5 away scores 7, and 6 to 10 away scores 5. Only the closer contestant scores.
Do you have to use all six numbers?
No. Each number can be used once at most, but you can leave any of them out.
Can you use fractions or negative numbers?
No. Every step of the working must give a positive whole number.
How many vowels must be in the letters round?
At least three vowels and at least four consonants must be chosen from the nine letters.
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