Just like math requires logic and strategy to solve complex equations, so too does chess. Chess is a game of cunning, problem solving, and forethought, principles that are very common to mathematical formulas. Many logic-based principles go into formulating strategies for chess. This stimulation of the logic center of the brain is perfect for math majors because it stretches the mind to think logically in new ways, just as many mathematical principles do.
A game of business and mathematical forethought, Monopoly allows math majors to use their talents to figure percentages, probabilities and risks involved in certain moves. Though Monopoly is partially reliant on chance, the game also heavily utilizes mathematical principles as its foundation. Monopoly can also be a fun, all-day game played with friends. Student with math majors will find that they do much better at this game than those without.
For the math major on the go that has little time to sit and play games, Sudoku is a great game to help stimulate the left-brain by using mathematics along with logic and problem solving. Sudoku requires players to use basic addition and subtraction to solve patterns in box-grids to get evenly equating numbers throughout. The game is a simple pen-and-paper game because it utilizes numbers and puzzles along with reason and perception.
Interestingly enough this, and similar role-playing games, involve a lot of math. Players must roll the dice and add different numbers from complex and intricate character sheets to determine the outcome of different situations. Math majors will find that their skills of mathematics, probability and statistics are heavily used while playing the game; and all the while they are immersed in a fantasy world where anything can happen. The game heavily relies on addition, subtraction and percentages as well as chance.