Official Structure

Five divisions. One deck.

These are the official divisions of the Multiplication Bee. Every official event is played on the Gauntlet, the full 12×12 deck.

Official divisions

A competitor enters the division that matches their age.

Age is determined as of September 1 of the competition year.
Division Age
10U10 and under
12U11 and 12
14U13 and 14
18U15 through 18
Open19 and over

Every division plays the Gauntlet.

The Gauntlet is the full 12×12 deck, and it is what every official event is played on. There is no reduced deck for younger competitors. A ten-year-old and an adult answer from the same set of facts.

Every title is earned under identical conditions.

How age is determined

September 1 is the date

A competitor's division is set by their age on September 1 of the competition year, and holds for the entire year. A birthday mid-season does not move anyone.

Play up, never down

A competitor may enter a division above their age. No competitor may enter a division below it. Playing up is chosen at registration and holds for the whole event.

Proof of age

Registration is by stated birth date. Documentation is requested only for championship events, and only from advancing competitors.

A division needs three to make.

These five divisions are the official structure. An event that runs as an official Multiplication Bee uses them as written.

A local event run for fun is another matter. Group the room however it suits you. The official divisions are there when you want them.

At an official event, a division runs if three or more competitors register for it. Divisions are never combined. A competitor is never scored against someone outside their division.

If a division does not make, every competitor registered for it is offered the option to play up into the next division. It is their choice. If they decline, they compete for a recorded score and no title is awarded.

Want a Bee in your town?

Tell us where you are and which divisions you would fill. We will let you know when a Bee is scheduled near you.

Bring the Bee →