Puzzle race
Puzzle race
Tug of War
Solve the sums, pull the rope. First team to drag the flag over its line wins.
A team math race. The room splits into Red and Blue, every phone gets its own sums, and each right answer pulls the rope on the big screen a little closer to your side.
- 2–30 players
- About 5 min
- Ages 8+
- Play on your phone
- Free, no sign-up
Free, no sign-up. Open it on a TV or laptop and everyone joins from their phone.
The idea
What is Tug of War?
Tug of War turns mental math into a team sport. The room splits into a Red team and a Blue team, and the big screen shows both teams holding a rope with a flag in the middle. Every player gets their own math problem on their phone. Answer it right and your team pulls: the rope slides your way and a "+1" pops up over your name. Answer it wrong and your phone freezes for 2 seconds, so guessing doesn't pay. The first team to drag the flag over its line wins the round. The host chooses how hard the sums are, from adding up to 20 to two-step problems like 7 × 6 − 9, and whether players type the answer or pick it from four. Before the first round the host can move players between teams, so the sides are fair.
Step by step
How to play Tug of War
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The host picks how players answer (type it or pick from four), the difficulty, the rope length, a time limit and 1 round or best of 3.
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When the game starts, everyone is split into Red and Blue at random. The host can tap a player on the big screen to move them to the other team, or shuffle, then starts the pull.
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After a 3-2-1 countdown, every phone shows its own math problem. Answer it right and your team pulls the rope a little, then a new problem appears straight away.
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A wrong answer freezes your phone for 2 seconds and shows you the right one.
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A team wins the round when the flag crosses its line. If the time runs out first, the side the rope is leaning towards wins.
How many players?
2–30
players
+18
Two players is enough for a one-on-one pull, but it's best with a crowd: two big teams pulling at once. Uneven teams are fine, because a smaller team pulls harder with every right answer.
Tips & tricks
How to win at Tug of War
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Speed beats perfection, but only just. A wrong answer costs you 2 seconds, so don't guess.
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Everyone pulls at the same time. Your answer counts no matter what your teammates are doing.
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In "pick it" mode the wrong answers are close to the right one. Work it out before you tap.
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Watch the small rope at the top of your phone to see if your team is winning.
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Mix the teams so each side has fast and slower players. The host can move anyone before the start.
Where it shines
Perfect for…
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Parties
Great fit
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Family time
Great fit
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Classrooms
Great fit
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Work teams
Great fit
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Video calls
Best in the same room
Questions
Tug of War FAQ
How does a team win Tug of War?
Every right answer pulls the rope towards your team. The first team to drag the flag over its line wins the round. With a time limit, the team the rope leans towards when time runs out wins.
What kind of math is it?
The host picks the difficulty. Easy is adding and taking away up to 20, Medium adds times tables and division, and Hard uses two-step problems like 7 × 6 − 9. Answers are always whole numbers.
What if the teams aren't the same size?
It's still fair. A smaller team pulls harder with every right answer, so 3 players against 4 is an even match.
Do players type the answer or choose it?
The host decides before the game. Players either type the answer on a number pad, or pick it from four answers, which is easier for younger kids.
Can someone join after the game has started?
Yes. They go to the smaller team and get a problem straight away.
How many players can play Tug of War?
2–30 players. Two players is enough for a one-on-one pull, but it's best with a crowd: two big teams pulling at once. Uneven teams are fine, because a smaller team pulls harder with every right answer.
How do we start a game of Tug of War?
Open this page on a TV or laptop everyone can see and press Start game. Players scan the QR code on that screen with their phone, or open https://grouparty.com/join and type the 4-letter room code, then enter a nickname. The host presses Start Game when everyone is in.
Do players need to download an app?
No. Players scan the QR code on the host screen with their phone camera and play in the browser. No app, no account, no sign-up, not even for the host.
Is it free?
Yes, every game on Grouparty is free to play.
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Ready to play Tug of War?
Open a room, put it on the big screen and share the QR code. You'll be playing in under a minute.