FFJM International Championship of Mathematical Games
A French-origin international competition focused on mathematical puzzles and logic, running since 1987 with 100,000+ participants across 8 age categories.
Grade Levels
Grades 2-12
Format
Short Answer · Varies by round
Scoring
Only the answer matters — no written work required. No calculators allowed. Problems are mathematical puzzles and riddles testing logic and reasoning.
Participants
100,000+
Established
1987
November
Qualifying round (correspondence, November)
March
Regional semi-finals (March)
August
International final (Paris, summer)
Registration
Through schools or individual registration
Prizes & Recognition
Medals and certificates at regional and international levels. International final held in Paris.
About This Competition
The FFJM International Championship of Mathematical Games and Logic (Championnat International des Jeux Mathématiques et Logiques) is a unique competition organized by the French Federation of Mathematical Games since 1987, now in its 40th edition.
Unlike traditional math competitions that test arithmetic speed or proof-writing, FFJM focuses on mathematical puzzles, riddles, and logic challenges. Only the final answer is required — no written work needed, and calculators are not allowed. Problems span geometry, spatial reasoning, arithmetic puzzles, and measurement.
The championship covers 8 age categories from elementary school through adults, with three stages: a qualifying round by correspondence in November, regional semi-finals in March, and an international final in Paris during summer. With approximately 100,000 participants, FFJM represents France's important tradition of game-based mathematical education, complementing the more conventional Kangourou des Mathématiques format.
How to Prepare
Practice Logic Puzzles and Mathematical Games
FFJM focuses on mathematical games and logic rather than standard school math. Practice with Sudoku variants, combinatorial games, and strategic puzzles.
Think Like a Game Player, Not a Student
These problems reward strategic thinking and game theory intuition. Approach each problem as a puzzle to be explored rather than an equation to solve.
Explore FFJM's Problem Archives
FFJM (ffjm.org) publishes past championship problems and solutions. Their magazine 'Jeux Mathematiques' contains practice problems in the competition style.
Mathematics Is a Game — Literally
FFJM's philosophy is that mathematics should be playful. This competition celebrates the joy of mathematical thinking in its purest form.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the FFJM Mathematical Games?
The FFJM International Championship of Mathematical Games and Logic is a competition organized by the French Federation of Mathematical Games since 1987. Now in its 40th edition, it emphasizes mathematical puzzles, riddles, and logic problems rather than traditional calculations.
How is FFJM different from traditional math competitions?
FFJM focuses on mathematical games and puzzles rather than arithmetic or proof-based problems. Only the final answer matters — no written work is required and calculators are not allowed. Topics include geometry, spatial reasoning, arithmetic puzzles, and measurement challenges.
What age groups can participate?
FFJM covers 8 categories from elementary school (CE, CM levels) through adults. This makes it one of the few competitions where parents and children can participate in the same event at different levels.
What is the competition structure?
The championship has three stages: a qualifying round by correspondence (November), regional semi-finals (March), and an international final held in Paris during summer. Primarily run in French-speaking countries but open to participants worldwide.
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