Cultivating the Next Generation of Problem Solvers
Mathematical Innovation
Racing against the clock to find creative solutions, N2K inspires students to embrace flexible mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Mental Agility
N2K develops lightning-fast mental math skills, improving calculating speed and accuracy in a fun, competitive environment.
Accessible Excellence
Easy to learn yet challenging to master, N2K accommodates students of all skill levels while pushing them to excel in mathematics.
To be eligible for the national competition, all entrants must be:
- eleven years old and no older than fourteen by September 30, 2027.
- currently enrolled in the Essentials, Challenge A, or Challenge B program, and enrolled in the subsequent program by March 3, 2027.
- able to travel and compete in the National Number Knockout Championship on a cruise in May 2027.
- proficient in multiplication tables, squares, and cubes.
- enthusiastic and confident about competing in front of an audience.
National Number Knockout: The Basics
The Game Number Knockout is a fast-paced mental math game played on a 6×6 grid containing 36 numbers. Players roll three dice and have 60 seconds to create as many mathematical equations as possible using all three numbers. The classic Number Knockout board contains the numerals 1–36, but the game can be played on a wide variety of boards. Players are encouraged to create their own boards using creative number selections and patterns for practice. Number Knockout also offers many variations to adjust the game’s difficulty.
The Mathematical Operations Students use addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, roots, and exponents to create solutions that match numbers on the board. Each number can only be “knocked off” once per round.
The Championship Sixteen national finalists win a Royal Caribbean cruise fare for themselves and one parent/chaperone in May 2027, where they compete for the ultimate title and other prizes.
The Path to the Championship: How to Enter
- Read the 2027 N2K Rule Book and view the N2K schedule.
- Determine if your student meets the eligibility requirements.
- Create your student’s scouting video based on the official N2K prompt.
- Submit your student’s scouting video and entrance form.
- Wait to be notified if your student will advance to the championship.
2026 Schedule
- January 11, 2027: Prompt Release
Official competition scouting board and 3 dice numbers released 10 a. m. EST on the Classical Conversations website, N2K page - January 18, 2027: Submission Open
Entry scouting video upload period begins at 10:00 a. m. EST - January 25, 2027: Submission Close
Entry scouting video upload period ends at 11:59 p. m. EST
- February 8-9, 2027: Finalists Notified
Sixteen finalists will be chosen to advance to the championship. - March 2, 2027: Finalists Announced
The sixteen finalists will be announced at 10:00 a. m. on the Classical Conversations website, N2K page. - May 15-20, 2027: Cruise Days
The sixteen finalists and families will spend five nights at sea with other CC families celebrating their accomplishments!
- May 17, 2027: Championship Day
Finalists will compete in the championship aboard a Caribbean cruise.
General Questions
