“Math Talk > Small Talk” perfectly captures what happens when math games become more than just play. In a classroom or home setting, math games create the perfect environment for authentic math talk — students explain their reasoning, justify moves, and discuss strategies with one another. Every roll of the dice or flip of a card becomes an opportunity for conversation: Why did you choose that move? What do you think will happen next? How do you know that’s correct? Instead of idle small talk, students engage in purposeful discussion — comparing methods, debating answers, and learning from one another’s thinking. This kind of dialogue builds vocabulary, reasoning, and confidence. Research on mathematical discourse shows that when students verbalize their ideas, they deepen understanding and develop stronger problem-solving skills. Math games make that possible because they’re naturally social, low-stakes, and fun. Players are motivated to explain, challenge, and defend their strategies — which turns play into powerful learning. So “Math Talk > Small Talk” isn’t just a slogan; it’s a philosophy: meaningful math conversation matters more than surface chatter. Every game, every question, every strategy shared is a chance to grow mathematically and connect humanly.