Increase your mental skills with these 3 Board Games
Board games are actually one of the best ways to encourage mental development. Their benefits range from linguistic dexterity to maths skills, and general knowledge to communication skills.
Games are a fun way to take care of your brain, especially since the risk of cognitive decline decreases through each game session. Essentially, the more you play, the more your brain grows—board games work like gyms, as they stretch and pull every grey matter and nerve cell.
If you wish to enjoy screen-free, mind-stimulating nights with friends and family, here are three of the most popular board games you can play together:
1. Chess
Teeming with such a rich history, chess remains to be some of the most popular board games on the planet. Created in India, chess has been around for over 500 years now.
It’s a game that mainly banks on strategy, as it exercises both sides of the brain. Research also suggests that playing chess can increase IQ, along with a plethora of valuable skills, such as logical thinking and focus and concentration.
Logical thinking: Chess means looking at patterns and deducing how a move affects the course of the game. As you play, you think about the consequences of your actions, along with the possible strategies your opponent is making. This is dubbed as logical thinking in action.
Focus and concentration: To successfully and effectively play chess, a complete focus on the board in front of you is crucial. You’re required to concentrate on your pieces, the board, your move, and your opponent, which sharpens your concentration skills.
2. Monopoly
Monopoly is also regarded as a classic game, a board game that is an ode to our real estate industry. It can accommodate up to eight players, where each can buy and develop properties. Whoever is left with the most investment and money in the end wins.
Although a splitting image of capitalism, Monopoly game sessions teach the following life lessons:
Forward thinking: To win the game, thinking like a game player is necessary. Establishing goals and objectives is necessary before making moves. Questioning your decisions is also important, as each choice should only bring you closer to your goal—which is to earn the money!
Investment: Monopoly also teaches the players about the importance of investing. Being protective of your money only impedes its growth, so it’s always wise to spread your investments.
Unfortunately, Monopoly has been known to cause some ‘minor’ disagreements…
3. Pandemic
Pandemic is rather new to the scene, but one that deserves the recognition. It’s also timely and relevant, one that teaches people about the world’s current situation.
Here, four diseases have spread simultaneously across the world. The only hope lies in the hands of a team of disease specialists. Although coming from different fields, they gather together to find the cure before humanity ceases to exist. Unlike the other two board games, Pandemic teaches the following lessons:
Teamwork and cooperation: The board game encourages players to work together rather than compete. Your actions need to work seamlessly to stop the spread of the global pandemic.
Strategy: Apart from cooperation, Pandemic will also require you to discuss strategy and options at every stage. If strategies come together, the world is saved.
The Takeaway
Board games induce fun and laughter, which serve as the perfect getaway from such a highly digital world. They also allow you to spend time with your family and friends, encouraging longer bonding times and commanding focus and attention.
Likewise, they teach plenty about logic, brain growth, and life skills. To make the most out of your time and ensure that your brain remains engaged and growing along the day, invest in a board game. Despite the technological progress, they’re still here for a reason!
You can find some amazing games using our search tool, as well as places to play, and people to play with!
