diff --git a/reasoning_gym/games/countdown.py b/reasoning_gym/games/countdown.py
index edec6c38..cbaaa39d 100644
--- a/reasoning_gym/games/countdown.py
+++ b/reasoning_gym/games/countdown.py
@@ -121,14 +121,24 @@ class CountdownDataset(ProceduralDataset):
 
         # Substitute actual numbers to get target
         subs = {sym: num for sym, num in zip(syms, numbers)}
-        target = int(expr.subs(subs))
-
-        # Convert to string expression
-        expr_str = str(expr)
-        for i, sym in enumerate(syms):
-            expr_str = expr_str.replace(str(sym), str(numbers[i]))
-
-        return expr_str, numbers, target
+        try:
+            target = int(expr.subs(subs))
+            
+            # Convert to string expression
+            expr_str = str(expr)
+            for i, sym in enumerate(syms):
+                expr_str = expr_str.replace(str(sym), str(numbers[i]))
+                
+            # Ensure target is within bounds
+            if self.config.min_target <= target <= self.config.max_target:
+                return expr_str, numbers, target
+                
+            # If target out of bounds, try again with new expression
+            return self._generate_expression(rng)
+            
+        except (ValueError, ZeroDivisionError):
+            # If evaluation fails, try again with new expression
+            return self._generate_expression(rng)
 
 
 # Register the dataset
diff --git a/tests/test_countdown.py b/tests/test_countdown.py
index d015d143..365273a6 100644
--- a/tests/test_countdown.py
+++ b/tests/test_countdown.py
@@ -61,6 +61,14 @@ def test_countdown_game_items():
 
         # Verify all numbers are within config range
         assert all(config.min_value <= n <= config.max_value for n in item["metadata"]["numbers"])
+        
+        # Verify expression evaluates correctly
+        expr = item["metadata"]["expression"]
+        try:
+            result = eval(expr)  # Safe here since we control expression generation
+            assert result == item["metadata"]["target"]
+        except (SyntaxError, ZeroDivisionError):
+            pytest.fail(f"Invalid expression generated: {expr}")
 
 
 def test_countdown_game_randomization():