Trique: A Three-in-a-Row Game from Colombia

Learn how to play Trique, a three-in-a-row game played by children in Colombia. Easy to learn, it’s a great way to help develop strategic thinking skills for players of all ages. Grab your free printable Trique game board below and start playing today!

What is a Three-in-a-Row Game?

A three-in-a-row game is a type of board game where players aim to form a line of their own symbols in a row, either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. The most common American version of this game is tic-tac-toe, where two players take turns marking X’s and O’s on a 3×3 grid. The player who successfully forms a line of three of their symbols wins the game.

Why You Should Play Trique

While three-in-a-row games are highly enjoyable, playing Trique is also beneficial for developing and strengthening mathematical reasoning skills. These types of games encourage children to think critically, strategize, and apply mathematical concepts in a practical and engaging context.

What you’ll love about this game:

QUICK AND SIMPLE GAMEPLAY – Trique, like most three-in-a-row board games, is quick and easy to play. A typical game can be completed in just minutes. Its simple rules make it accessible to players of all ages.
FOSTERS STRATEGIC THINKING – While Trique is easy to learn, it does involve strategic thinking. Players need to think critically about their moves, while anticipating their opponent’s moves, and make decisions that maximize their chances of winning.
DEVELOPS MATHEMATICAL CONCEPTS – Playing Trique and similar three-in-a-row games strengthens important mathematical reasoning skills, including spatial awareness, pattern recognition, probability, and logic and deduction.
ENGAGING FOR ALL AGES – Trique provides a fun and engaging challenge for players of all ages, from young children to adults.

Grab your supplies:

a Trique game board
9 counters of two different kinds for each player (beans, coins, buttons, etc.)

How to Play:

Each player receives 9 counters of a different kind.
First, players take turns placing one counter on the game board at a time until all 18 counters have been placed.
Then, players take turns moving one of their counters along a line to the next empty point. In this game, players may move their counters horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. However, jumping over a counter is not allowed.
When a player makes a row of three, they call out “Trique!”, meaning clever trick.

Be sure to grab the free printable Trique game board below.

Discover Even More Math Games from Around the World

With our latest curriculum bundle, dive deep into the heart of Africa, exploring history, geography, culture, and more! The Global Explorers Club is designed to not only introduce your children to the rich cultures of more than a dozen countries in Africa but also ignite their curiosity through art, games, music, food, and dance. Our unique curriculum is tailor-made for the homeschooling setting, offering flexibility and adaptability to suit your family’s needs.