Understanding counting rules is challenging for students; in particular, they struggle with
determining when and how to implement combinations, permutations, and the multiplication rule
as tools for counting large sets and computing probability. We present an activity – using ideas
from the games of poker and pinochle – designed to help students solidify and expand upon
counting techniques while also promoting critical thinking in the classroom. While this activity
has been used in college level courses, we believe it would also be applicable in a high school
discrete mathematics class or in any probability course having substantial emphasis on these
topics. We present and discuss the activity including desired learning outcomes, rationale,
opportunities for teachable moments, and potential follow-up assignments.
The CAUSE Research Group is supported in part by a member initiative grant from the American Statistical Association’s Section on Statistics and Data Science Education