Bulls and cows maker

How to play

1. Each player writes a secret number with different digits under My secret, and keeps it hidden.
2. Take turns guessing the other player's number. Each guess uses different digits, written in the boxes of one row.
3. The other player answers with A (right digit, right place) and B (right digit, wrong place). Record both in the row.
4. Cross off a digit in the strip once you know it is not in the secret.
5. The first player to find the number in fewer guesses wins. If the rows run out, reveal the secret and start again.

Tips

• Begin with the digits in order, such as 0 1 2 3, to learn which digits are in the secret.
• A result of 0A 2B means two digits are in the secret but none is in the right place yet, so try them in new positions.
• For solo practice, fold the strip under along the dashed line, play against the hidden number, and unfold it to check.
• Two tables per page make a quick game for a table; one per page gives room for large print.

Where it comes from

Bulls and cows is a code-breaking game that needs only pencil and paper. The same idea appears under many names around the world, and in China it is often called 猜数字 or 1A2B.

Played in: East Asia

Questions