Good at number games, bad at math

Is there a name for someone that's good at number games but bad at math?


A savant is one with an unexpected gift for something well outside their normal range. Think Rainman and his box of toothpicks. Such an unexpected ability or gift (one is gifted)can be unaccountable and most enjoyable. The word does not refer to math especially.

There are endless areas of mathematics to explore, enjoy, run from, and be hopeless at. The word is infinite.

Number games often rely on logic, the use of reason to determine which of a limited number of choices is correct. These will seem black and white to some while being a grey blob to others. It would be useful for you to list (for yourself) the kind of games you do well so you can find more like them. I'll bet your good at Logic Puzzles.

Being bad at math usually reflects on the means by which it is being described or taught. People are not skittish around numbers until they see equal signs. That tells them that a right answer will be required, so they better start thinking. The reaction is, "Oh, no! Algebra!" Bad training does not indicate unsuitability.

It is areas or subjects within mathematics that will give you the name for one who is good at your number games. Without examples of your games it would be mere speculation. Are you adding or computing numbers for speed? are you spotting relations between groups of numbers? In any event I think you are better at math than you think. You simply have not stumbled into the actual subject by name. Enjoy.