How to Play

INSIDE THE BOX

Everything you need to begin the challenge

Trio uses coloured number cards and round blue target cards to create a fast, visual and strategic mathematics game.

TRIO GAME COMPONENTS

Numbers, targets and unlimited combinations

The standard game includes coloured square number cards from 1 to 9 and round blue target cards ranging from 15 to 50.

49 coloured number cards Used to create the 7 × 7 playing board.

Blue target cards Each card displays the result that players must reach.

Four mathematical operations Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division may be used.

THE 7 × 7 BOARD

This is the board where every Trio begins

All 49 coloured number cards are placed face up in seven rows and seven columns.

Read the board in every direction

Players search the complete 7 × 7 grid for three neighbouring cards that can create the number shown on the blue target card.

A valid Trio may run horizontally, vertically or diagonally, but the three selected cards must remain connected in one continuous line.

49 visible number cards Seven rows and seven columns create the standard Mode 1 board.

Three connected cards Search left to right, top to bottom or diagonally across the board.

A fresh board for every game In Mode 1, the number cards can be shuffled and rearranged after every game to create completely new combinations.

GAME SETUP

Prepare the board step by step

The standard board is built before the first target is revealed.

01

Shuffle the number cards

Mix all coloured square cards thoroughly before arranging the board.

02

Create a 7 × 7 board

Place all 49 number cards face up in seven rows and seven columns.

03

Shuffle the blue target cards

Place the round target cards face down beside the board.

04

Reveal the first target

Turn over one blue card and place it where every player can clearly see the number.

CORE RULES

Find three cards. Reach the target.

Every solution must follow the same core rules.

Use exactly three cards

Every calculation must be created with three coloured number cards.

Cards must be neighbours

The three cards must form an unbroken line horizontally, vertically or diagonally.

Use mathematical operations

Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division may be combined to reach the target.

Call “Trio” first

As soon as a player finds a correct solution, they must immediately say “Trio”.

Show the solution

The player must point out the three cards and explain the full calculation to everyone.

Collect the target card

A correct solution earns the blue card. The player with the most blue cards wins.

WORKED EXAMPLE

The target is 40. Can you find a Trio?

More than one correct solution may exist on the board.

BLUE TARGET CARD

40

Find three connected number cards and combine them to produce exactly 40.

6 × 6 + 4 = 40

7 × 5 + 5 = 40

6 × 7 − 2 = 40

Normal operation priority applies: multiplication and division are completed before addition and subtraction.

DURING THE GAME

What happens after someone calls Trio?

Correct solution

The player keeps the blue target card as a point.

A new blue target card is revealed and the next round begins immediately.

Incorrect solution

The round continues and the other players may keep searching for the correct answer.

The incorrect player receives a penalty point equal to the number shown on that target card.

ALTERNATIVE MODES

Change the rules. Create a new challenge.

The instruction guide includes several alternative ways to play Trio.

MODE 01

Highest total wins

Instead of using one fixed calculation, add together the numbers printed on the collected blue target cards. The highest total score wins. The number cards may be shuffled and rebuilt after every game to create a fresh Mode 1 board.

View Mode 1 Example

MODE 02

Change operation priority

Reverse the normal order of operations: complete addition or subtraction first, then multiplication or division.

View Mode 2 Example

MODE 03

Hidden-card challenge

Place coloured cards face down. A player draws a blue target and reveals coloured cards one by one while trying to reach that target. This mode is suitable for 2–4 players.

View Mode 3 Example

MODE 04

Sequence calculation

Arrange a selected number of cards in a row. Use each number in its exact order and insert mathematical symbols between them to create the target.

View Mode 4 Example

MODE 05

Open-table combinations

Spread the coloured cards randomly with all numbers visible. Players choose three cards, or another agreed number of cards, and use each selected number only once to reach the target. The player who collects the most blue cards wins.

View Mode 5 Example

ALTERNATIVE MODE EXAMPLES

See how every mode changes the challenge

Each alternative mode keeps Trio’s mathematical core while changing how targets, cards or calculations are handled.

MODE 01 · HIGHEST TOTAL

Collect the greatest combined score

Blue cards are added together at the end instead of being counted as single points.

126

Example round result

Suppose one player has collected blue cards numbered 40, 44 and 42.

40 + 44 + 42 = 126 PLAYER A

36 + 35 + 40 = 111 PLAYER B

Player A wins because 126 is the highest combined value, even though both players collected three target cards. After the game, the 49 number cards can be shuffled and arranged again for a completely new 7 × 7 board.

MODE 02 · REVERSED PRIORITY

Addition or subtraction comes first

Parentheses show the changed operation priority used in this mode.

40

The target is 40

In the standard game, multiplication is normally completed first. Here, addition is completed before multiplication.

(7 + 3) × 4 = 40 CORRECT

(6 − 1) × 8 = 40 CORRECT

Always agree before the game that addition and subtraction will be calculated first.

MODE 03 · HIDDEN CARDS

Reveal cards until you can reach the target

Players do not see the full board at the beginning of this version.

40

MODE 3 · HIDDEN CARDS

Example reveal sequence

A player draws the target 40 and reveals coloured cards one by one.

Revealed: 4, 5, 3, 6, 8, 1 SEARCHING

5 × 8 + 0 is unavailable KEEP GOING

Reveal another 5 → 5 × 7 + 5 = 40 TRIO

A player continues revealing cards until a valid calculation can be created or the agreed turn limit is reached.

MODE 04 · SEQUENCE CALCULATION

Keep the numbers in their displayed order

Symbols may be inserted, but the sequence of the chosen cards cannot be changed.

44

MODE 4 · SEQUENCE

The cards are 5 · 7 · 1 · 3

Adjacent digits can be combined to form multi-digit numbers when the agreed format allows it.

57 − 13 = 44 CORRECT

5, 7, 1, 3 stay in order REQUIRED

Players may invent and agree on other sequence formats before starting the round.

MODE 05 · OPEN TABLE

Choose from all visible cards

Cards are spread randomly and each chosen number may be used only once.

36

Choose four visible cards

In this example the selected cards are 4, 8, 7 and 3.

(4 × 8) + (7 − 3) = 36 CORRECT

4, 8, 7 and 3 are each used once VALID

Before the game, players can agree whether each solution will use three cards, four cards or another fixed amount.

READY TO BEGIN?

One board can create countless calculations.

Trio rewards fast observation, mathematical creativity and strategic thinking. The rules are simple to understand, but every new board creates a completely different challenge.

Quick to learn

Different solutions in every round

Suitable for social and competitive play

YOUR NEXT TRIO STARTS HERE

Choose three cards. Reach the target. Win the round.

Bring mathematics, observation and strategy together in one competitive game experience.

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