Addition Four in a Row Worksheets
Four in a Row is a printable maths game for pairs and small groups. Players answer addition questions, claim the matching squares on a shared grid, and try to be the first to connect four in a row. Because every move depends on a correct answer, pupils work through a large number of questions without the activity ever feeling like a worksheet.
How Four in a Row supports retrieval and fluency
Fluency comes from frequent, low-stakes recall. The game format builds this in: pupils retrieve addition facts and methods throughout the game, check one another's answers as they play, and happily replay the same level — which is exactly the repetition fluency needs. It works well for starters, retrieval practice, paired work and end-of-topic consolidation.
How the level ladder works
The Addition sequence runs from Level 1 to Level 26. Each level keeps practising addition while adding one new feature, representation or context. Later levels are still addition worksheets: the standard form levels are addition practice involving standard form, not separate standard form worksheets.
This is why the ladder moves from core arithmetic into decimals, negative numbers, fractions, algebra, standard form and surds: the same underlying skill — adding — is carried into each new representation pupils meet, so earlier fluency keeps being used instead of fading.
Choosing the right level
- Start at the level that matches the pupil's current addition focus in class.
- For game play, one level below a pupil's working level is often ideal — the pace of a game rewards confident recall.
- Mixed-ability groups can play at different levels at the same time.
- Want to see the format first? Download the free Addition Four in a Row sample pack.
Four in a Row or Skill Drills?
Both follow the same 26-level Addition ladder, level for level. Skill Drills are short, focused worksheets for individual targeted practice — ideal for diagnosis, homework and quick interventions. Four in a Row covers the same skills as a paired game — ideal for engagement, retrieval and consolidating a level once it has been taught. Many teachers use the Skill Drill first, then the matching Four in a Row game to embed it.
The Addition level ladder
Core Skills (Levels 1–8): single-digit, two-digit and multi-digit addition. Browse Core Skills
- Level 1 - Single-Digit Addition
- Level 2 - Two-Digit Addition
- Level 3 - Two Digit Addition
- Level 4 - Two Digit Addition
- Level 5 - Multi Digit Addition
- Level 6 - Multi Digit Addition
- Level 7 - Multi Digit Addition
- Level 8 - Multi Digit Addition
Decimals (Levels 9–12): decimal addition with matched, then varied, decimal places. Browse Decimals
- Level 9 - Decimal Addition Matched
- Level 10 - Decimal Addition Matched
- Level 11 - Decimal Addition Varied
- Level 12 - Decimal Addition Varied
Directed Number (Levels 13–14): adding signed integers (negative numbers). Browse Directed Number
- Level 13 - Signed Integer Addition
- Level 14 - Signed Integer Addition
Fractions (Levels 15–18): same-denominator through to mixed different-denominator fraction addition. Browse Fractions
- Level 15 - Same Denominator Fraction
- Level 16 - Different Denominator Unit
- Level 17 - Different Denominator Fraction
- Level 18 - Different Denominator Mixed
Algebra (Levels 19–21): adding linear, non-linear and binomial expressions. Browse Algebra
- Level 19 - Linear Algebraic Expression
- Level 20 - Non Linear Algebraic
- Level 21 - Binomial Expression Addition
Standard Form (Levels 22–24): addition with numbers written in standard form. Browse Standard Form
- Level 22 - Standard Form Addition
- Level 23 - Standard Form Addition
- Level 24 - Standard Form Addition
Advanced & Surds (Levels 25–26): algebraic terms with standard form, and like-surd addition. Browse Advanced & Surds
- Level 25 - Algebraic Terms Standard
- Level 26 - Like Surd Addition
Samples and paid versions
Any sample shown is for preview only. Purchased versions contain the full resource without sample-only labelling unless the product is specifically listed as a free sample.
All products are digital downloads. No physical item is shipped.
