At the top you see your points ⭐ and next to them the number they are multiplied by. So 5 ⭐ and ×2 means 5 · 2 = 10 points.
Below there are two cards and you may add exactly one of them. The arrow tells you what it changes: the left card adds points, the right one multiplies the factor.
With +6 ⭐ you first work out 5 + 6 = 11 and then 11 · 2 = 22. With ×2 you keep your 5 points, but ×2 becomes ×4, so 5 · 4 = 20. Here the plus gives more - but only just.
Always work out both cards, write the points into the boxes and check off the better card.
Example
For parents
What does this exercise practice?
Here the child experiences that multiplying is stronger than adding - but not always. With few points the plus gives more, with many points the times does. Where exactly the change happens can only be found by working it out, and that is why the times tables are the tool here, not the goal.
Common pitfalls
The most common mistake is the false rule that times is always better. In this chapter sometimes one card wins, sometimes the other - that is why you really have to calculate. The second stumbling block is the times card itself, because it doubles the factor and not the points. And when the two ways are close together, guessing no longer helps.
How to practice at home
Play it with two dice: one die is the points, the other one the factor. Then take turns asking - rather 5 points more or double the factor? Whoever can give a reason first gets a tally mark on the paper.
Related: Which Is Better?, Final scoring