Roll and Cover Dice Games (free!)

Affiliate Disclaimer

We sometimes use affiliate links in our content. This won’t cost you anything, but it helps us to keep the site running. Thanks for your support.

Math practice can be fun. If your student needs to review counting, addition, or subtraction, try our roll and cover dice games. You can find a list of the 20 different themes of roll and cover games at the end of this post.

How to Play a Roll and Cover Dice Game

Each set of roll and cover math games includes different kinds of game boards. You can play in three different ways.

How to Play Single Player Roll and Cover Addition

Choose one of the math game boards.
Give student the dice and manipulatives.
Player throws the dice and adds the sum of both. For example, if the player throws a 3 and a 4, the total is 7.
The player can then cover anything equal to the sum, seven. So, the player could cover 3+4, 2+5, 6+1, or 7.
The player chooses whether she wants to roll one die or both. This becomes important as more numbers are covered.
If the player cannot use the throw to cover numbers (i.e. if the player’s dice total is 7 but the 3, 4, 2, 5, and 7 are already covered), the player should re-roll.
Player continues until all of the spots on the game board are covered.

How to Play Single Player Roll and Cover Subtraction

Player throws the dice and subtracts the smaller number from the larger number.
The player can cover any spot equal to the difference.
If the player cannot use the throw to cover a number, the player should re-roll.

How to Play a Multiplayer Roll and Cover Game

Print the same game board for each player.
Players take turns throwing the dice and covering the numbers on the board.
If a player cannot use the throw to cover numbers, the player loses his turn and the next player rolls.
The first player to cover every number on the board wins.
Alternatively, players could use one board to work cooperatively to complete the entire board.

How to Prepare the Roll and Cover Games

Gather dice and board markers. You can use a variety of objects for board markers: circle counters, buttons, playdough pieces, paperclips, pompoms, candies, or whatever you have on hand. You can even use thematic board markers (goldfish crackers for an ocean theme, plastic snowflakes for a snow theme, etc.).

Before giving your student a game board, you may wish to laminate it or put it in a sheet protector. This will allow your students to use it over and over again.

List of Free Roll and Cover Dice Games

We have a variety of roll and cover game boards. If you are planning a themed unit for your kids or students, you will likely find a set to match. Alternatively, you could let your student choose a favorite topic from the list.

Apple Themed Roll and Cover Games

Bear Themed Roll and Cover Games

Circus Themed Roll and Cover Games

Construction Themed Roll and Cover Games

Easter Themed Roll and Cover Games

Fall Themed Roll and Cover Games (leaves and pumpkins)