Published Paper Details:

Mathematical problem-solving is a central objective in mathematics education, particularly at the school level where students begin to develop cognitive habits of reasoning, analysing, and applying concepts. In recent years, mathematical games have emerged as an effective pedagogical tool to enhance engagement, conceptual understanding, and strategic thinking. This review-based research paper examines the role of mathematical games in improving problem-solving skills among learners. Drawing on theoretical perspectives and existing research studies, the paper explores how games foster logical reasoning, reduce mathematical anxiety, motivate active participation, and provide an experiential learning environment. It highlights the cognitive benefits of game-based learning, including memory development, decision-making, pattern recognition, and metacognition. The review also evaluates various types of mathematical games--board games, digital games, puzzles, competitions, and classroom-based activities--and analyses their influence on learners' approach to problem-solving. The paper concludes that mathematical games significantly contribute to strengthening problem-solving abilities, provided they are well-designed, pedagogically aligned, and integrated systematically into classroom practices. This research suggests that teachers, curriculum planners, and educators should incorporate mathematical games as complementary tools that enrich traditional methods and create a dynamic, learner-centred mathematics classroom.